The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly frozen an Osun State Government account with First Bank, just 10 days before the state’s governorship election.
Documents obtained by Vanguard showed the account, reportedly used to pay workers’ salaries, was placed under a “Post No Debit” restriction by the anti-graft agency.
The move came shortly after Governor Ademola Adeleke claimed the EFCC was planning to freeze state government accounts and those of top officials ahead of the August 15 election.
Responding to the development, the state government, through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described the reported action as an attempt to disrupt government activities before the poll.
Governor Adeleke maintained there was no legal basis for freezing the state’s accounts. He insisted the EFCC does not have the statutory power to take such action against a state government.
A source close to the administration, who spoke anonymously, confirmed 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.
