10 Days To Election: EFCC Freezes Osun Govt Account
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly frozen an Osun State Government bank account domiciled with First Bank, 10 days before the state’s governorship election.
The affected account, said to be used for the payment of workers’ salaries, was placed on “Post No Debit” status, preventing withdrawals or other debit transactions.
The development followed allegations by Governor Ademola Adeleke that the anti-graft agency was planning to freeze the state’s accounts and those of some senior government officials ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor described the reported action as an attempt to cripple government operations in the run-up to the election.
Adeleke argued that the EFCC lacks the constitutional and statutory authority to freeze the accounts of a state government, insisting there was no legal basis for such a move.
A source within the state government, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, confirmed that the account had already been restricted by the anti-graft agency.
“The state government’s account has indeed been frozen by the EFCC. It is no longer speculation. The governor will address journalists shortly to brief the public on the situation,” the source said.
The restriction has raised concerns over its possible impact on government operations, particularly salary payments and other financial obligations, although officials have yet to disclose the full implications.
As of press time, the EFCC had not released an official statement on the action, while the reason for placing the account under restriction remained unknown. The agency has also not responded to the allegations made by the Osun State Government.