The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly frozen an Osun State Government bank account domiciled with First Bank, barely 10 days before the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15.
According to a report obtained from Vanguard, the affected account, said to be used for the payment of workers’ salaries, has been placed on a “Post No Debit” restriction by the anti-graft agency.
The development comes hours after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the EFCC was planning to freeze the state government’s accounts, as well as those of senior government officials.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, Adeleke described the alleged move as politically motivated and aimed at disrupting government activities ahead of the election.
The governor maintained that the EFCC has no constitutional or statutory authority to freeze the accounts of a state government, insisting there was no legal basis for such action.
A source close to the governor, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed that the account had been restricted.
“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.
