The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen an Osun State Government account with First Bank, just 10 days before the state’s governorship election.
According to documents obtained by the press, the account, which is reportedly used to pay workers’ salaries, has been placed on “Post No Debit” status by the anti-graft agency.
The action came only hours after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the EFCC was planning to freeze the state’s accounts and those of top government officials.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described the move as an attempt to disrupt government operations ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Governor Adeleke insisted there was no legal basis for freezing the state’s accounts, arguing that the EFCC does not have the statutory powers to take such action.
A source close to the governor confirmed that the account had already been frozen.
“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 EFCC had not issued an official statement on the development as of the time this report was filed. The reason for freezing the account was also not immediately disclosed.
