The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly frozen one of the Osun State Government’s bank accounts, barely 10 days before the August 15 governorship election.
The affected account, domiciled with First Bank, was placed on a “Post No Debit” restriction, effectively preventing withdrawals and other transactions.
The development comes hours after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the anti-graft agency was planning to freeze the accounts of the state government and some senior government officials ahead of the election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, Adeleke described the alleged move as politically motivated, insisting it was aimed at disrupting government activities in the run-up to the poll.
The governor also argued that the EFCC lacked the constitutional and statutory powers to freeze the accounts of a state government, maintaining that there was no legal basis for such action.
However, documents obtained by Insightlinks indicate that the account has now been placed under restriction by the anti-graft agency.
A source close to the state government, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed the development.
“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 source added that the affected account is one of the state’s operational accounts and is reportedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries and other official obligations.
The reported action has generated political attention due to its timing, with Osun preparing for a keenly contested governorship election. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party is seeking re-election against the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), and other contenders.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued an official statement explaining the reason for placing the account on “Post No Debit” status, while the Osun State Government was expected to formally brief the public on the development.
Further details are expected as the situation unfolds.