EFCC Reportedly Freezes Osun Government Account 10 Days to Governorship Election

OSOGBO, Nigeria – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly frozen a bank account belonging to the Osun State Government, just 10 days before the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15.

The affected account, domiciled with First Bank, was placed on a “Post No Debit” restriction, according to documents cited by several media reports. The account is said to be one of the state government’s salary accounts, a development that could affect the payment of workers and other government financial operations. 

The development comes hours after Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, alleged that the anti-graft agency was planning to freeze the state’s accounts and those of senior government officials ahead of the governorship election.

Governor Adeleke described the alleged move as unlawful and politically motivated, warning that it could disrupt governance and the delivery of essential public services during the election period. 

However, reports indicate that the EFCC’s directive to First Bank stated that the restriction forms part of the commission’s ongoing investigation and was issued pursuant to relevant provisions of the EFCC Act and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued a separate public statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the account restriction, while the Osun State Government has announced plans to challenge the action in court.

The development has heightened political tension in Osun State as residents prepare to elect a governor on August 15.