The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Joy Enwa, the accountant-general of Delta State, in connection with her alleged involvement in the misappropriation of N1.3 trillion linked to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the detention on Thursday, stating that Enwa was questioned as part of an investigation into financial mismanagement during Okowa’s administration and was later released.

“Mrs. Enwa was detained for questioning over the ongoing investigation into the mismanagement of state funds under the former administration. Some other government officials have also been interrogated,” Oyewale stated.

In addition to Enwa, the EFCC has questioned a former director of finance and administration, along with a senior official from the Government House, as part of the probe.

The investigation follows the EFCC’s arrest of Okowa on November 4, who is accused of diverting public funds, including portions of the 13 percent derivation fund allocated to oil-producing states, for personal use.

Reports suggest that Okowa used some of these funds to acquire properties in Abuja and Asaba, the Delta State capital, as well as invest in sectors like oil and floating liquefied natural gas. Okowa has denied the allegations, labeling the investigation as “politically motivated.”

Enwa, who was appointed by Okowa in 2020 after serving as deputy accountant-general during Emmanuel Uduaghan’s tenure, has previously faced scrutiny. In 2015, she was implicated in a N369 million fraud case involving state officials and bank representatives.

When approached for comment, Enwa declined to provide details, stating, “I am not the right source to confirm this story. Please contact the EFCC for clarification.”