President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court to vacate an order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, citing concerns over the timing of the action ahead of the state’s governorship election.
In a State House statement issued on Thursday, the President said he became aware that the EFCC had obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the state’s accounts. While acknowledging the agency’s statutory powers to investigate and prosecute corruption cases, Tinubu expressed discomfort with the timing of the move, noting that actions of federal institutions are often perceived as reflecting the position of the Presidency.
The President stressed that since assuming office, he has consistently allowed anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to operate independently without political interference, insisting that strong democratic institutions are essential for good governance and the rule of law.
Tinubu explained that he had deliberately refrained from interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative agencies because they were established by law with clearly defined mandates and powers.
However, he said he was yet to be fully briefed on the circumstances that prompted the EFCC to seek the court order but maintained that the timing of the action was “inauspicious,” especially as Osun State is only days away from its governorship election.
According to the President, no action should create the impression that the EFCC or any other federal agency is being used to influence or interfere with the electoral process.
He said preserving public confidence in the integrity, credibility and fairness of Nigeria’s democratic process was of overriding national interest.
Consequently, President Tinubu directed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue all actions instituted against the Osun State Government in connection with the matter.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the independence of public institutions while emphasizing that such independence must always be exercised in a manner that protects democratic values and public trust.
