The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly frozen an Osun State Government account domiciled with First Bank, just 10 days before the state’s governorship election.
According to reports obtained by The News Chronicle, the account, reportedly used the pay workers’ salaries, has been placed on a “Post No Debit” restriction by the anti-graft agency.
The development comes hours after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the EFCC was planning to freeze the state government’s accounts, as well as those of top government officials.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor described the reported move as an attempt to cripple government activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Adeleke argued that there was no legal basis for freezing the state’s accounts, maintaining that the EFCC lacks the statutory powers to take such action.
A source close to the governor, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly, 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.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued an official statement on the development, while the reason for the restriction on the account remained unclear.
