The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly frozen an Osun State Government account domiciled with First Bank, 10 days before the state’s governorship election.
The account, which is reportedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries, was placed on “Post No Debit” status by the anti-graft agency.
The development occurred hours after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the EFCC was planning to freeze accounts belonging to the state government and some top government officials.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, Adeleke described the reported action as an attempt to disrupt government operations ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The governor maintained that there was no legal basis for restricting the state government’s accounts, arguing that the EFCC lacked the statutory authority to take such action without due process.
A source close to the governor, who requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed that the account had already been placed under restriction.
“I can confirm that the state government account has been frozen by the EFCC. It is no longer an allegation. The governor will address the press shortly to update the public on the situation,” the source said.
The alleged account restriction has raised concerns over its potential impact on the payment of workers’ salaries and the day-to-day administration of the state, particularly with the governorship election approaching.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued an official statement confirming the account restriction or explaining the reason for the action.
The development comes amid growing political tension in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
