The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly placed a “Post No Debit” restriction on an Osun State Government account domiciled with First Bank, just 10 days before the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15.
According to documents cited by Vanguard, the affected account is reportedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries.
The development came shortly after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the EFCC was planning to freeze the state’s accounts and those of top government officials ahead of the election.
Reacting to the reported action, the Osun State Government, through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described the move as an attempt to disrupt government activities in the build-up to the poll.
Governor Adeleke maintained that there was no legal basis for the freezing of the state’s accounts, insisting that the EFCC lacks the statutory authority to impose such restrictions on a state government’s accounts.
A source close to the administration, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the account had indeed 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 reported restriction, while the reason for the action remained unclear.
