The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly placed a restriction on an Osun State Government account with First Bank, less than two weeks before the state’s governorship election.
According to documents cited by Vanguard, the account, which is reportedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries, has been placed on a “Post No Debit” restriction by the anti-graft agency.
The reported action comes days after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the EFCC was planning to freeze the state government’s accounts, as well as those belonging to some top officials, ahead of the August 15 governorship poll.
Responding to the development, the Osun State Government, through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described the reported restriction as an attempt to undermine the administration’s activities in the run-up to the election.
Governor Adeleke also maintained that there was no legal basis for the action, arguing that the EFCC does not have the statutory authority to freeze the accounts of a state government.
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A source within the administration, who requested anonymity, claimed the restriction had already taken effect.
“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 yet to issue an official statement on the reported restriction, while the reason for the action remained unknown.