BREAKING: Drama as EFCC Freezes Osun Govt Account 10 Days to Guber Election
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 scheduled for August 15.
Documents cited in reports indicated that the account, reportedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries, had been placed on “Post No Debit” status, restricting withdrawals and other debit transactions.
The development followed allegations by Governor Ademola Adeleke that the EFCC was planning to freeze the state government’s accounts and those of some senior officials ahead of the election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the reported action could disrupt government operations ahead of the poll.
Adeleke also questioned the legal basis for such a move, arguing that the EFCC lacked the statutory authority to freeze the state government’s accounts.
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 already 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.
The reported restriction has raised concerns over its potential implications for the state’s financial operations, particularly the payment of workers’ salaries and the funding of essential government services.
However, the reason for the EFCC’s reported action was not immediately clear.
The anti-graft agency had not issued an official statement on the matter as of the time of filing this report. It was therefore unclear whether the restriction was connected to any ongoing investigation or other enforcement action.
The development comes amid heightened political activity in Osun State as the August 15 governorship election approaches.
