The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly frozen an Osun State Government account domiciled with First Bank, just 10 days before the state’s governorship election, escalating political tensions ahead of the August 15 poll. The affected account, according to documents obtained by Vanguard, was placed on “Post No Debit” status and is reportedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries.
The development came only hours after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the anti-graft agency was planning to freeze the state government’s bank accounts alongside those of senior government officials.
In a statement issued on Wednesday through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor described the alleged move as an attempt to cripple the operations of his administration in the days leading to the governorship election.
Reacting to the development, Adeleke maintained that there was no legal justification for the action, insisting that the EFCC lacked the statutory authority to freeze the accounts of a state government. The governor argued that the reported restriction was unlawful and capable of disrupting governance, particularly the payment of workers’ salaries and other essential government obligations.
A source close to the Osun governor, who requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed that the account had already been frozen. According to the source, the development was no longer speculative, adding that Governor Adeleke would address journalists to provide further details on the situation. The source said the account restriction had already taken effect, confirming earlier concerns raised by the state government.
As of the time this report was filed, the EFCC had not issued any official statement regarding the reported account freeze. The anti-corruption agency has also not disclosed the reason for placing the Osun State Government account on “Post No Debit” status. The development comes amid heightened political activities as preparations intensify for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
