The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released Joy Enwa, the Accountant-General of Delta State, on bail following her interrogation over an alleged N1.3 trillion fraud linked to Ifeanyi Okowa, the state’s former governor.
Enwa was reportedly detained for questioning regarding the alleged mismanagement of state funds during Okowa’s administration but was later granted bail. According to EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren, the investigation also involved questioning other officials, including a former director of finance and administration and a senior government house official.
On November 4, the EFCC arrested Okowa, accusing him of diverting N1.3 trillion in public funds, allegedly using portions of the 13 percent derivation fund designated for oil-producing states between 2015 and 2023 to acquire properties in Abuja and Asaba, the Delta State capital. Okowa has denied the accusations, claiming the investigation is “politically motivated.”
Meanwhile, in December 2023, Delta State, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and UTM Offshore finalized a shareholders’ agreement for a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. Under the agreement, Delta State secured an 8% stake, NNPC acquired 20% in July 2023, and UTM Offshore reduced its interest to 72%.
Speaking on the deal, NNPC Group CEO Mele Kyari highlighted the project’s potential to revolutionize Nigeria’s economy through gas exports, promising prosperity and value creation. The project, based on the Yoho field operated by ExxonMobil, is expected to produce between 1.81 and 2.72 million tonnes of LNG annually. The field reportedly holds over 200 trillion cubic feet of gas, according to UTM Offshore.
