The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly frozen a bank account belonging to the Osun State Government, less than two weeks before the state’s governorship election.
Documents seen by reports indicate that the account, domiciled with First Bank and reportedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries, has been placed on “Post No Debit” status, preventing withdrawals or transactions.
The development comes just hours after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the anti-graft agency was planning to freeze the state’s accounts, as well as those of senior government officials, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor described the reported move as an attempt to disrupt government operations during a critical political period.
Adeleke argued that there was no legal basis for the action, insisting that the EFCC lacks the statutory authority to freeze the accounts of a state government under the circumstances.
A source close to the governor, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed that the account restriction had already taken effect.
“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.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not released an official statement confirming or explaining the restriction. The reason for placing the account on “Post No Debit” status also remains unclear.
The latest development adds a new dimension to the political atmosphere in Osun State as preparations intensify for the forthcoming governorship election. It also raises questions about the potential impact of the account restriction on government operations, including salary payments and other public expenditures.
OtownGist will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more official information becomes available.
