Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is alleged to have placed a bank account belonging to the Osun State Government on restriction, preventing withdrawals from the account less than two weeks before the state’s governorship election.
The account, domiciled with First Bank and reportedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries, was allegedly placed on a “Post No Debit” status by the anti-graft agency.
The development followed concerns raised by Governor Ademola Adeleke, who had alleged that the EFCC was planning to freeze the state government’s accounts as well as those of some top officials.
In a statement issued on Wednesday through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor said such a move would disrupt government operations ahead of the August 15 governorship poll.
A source close to the governor confirmed that 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.
Adeleke also argued that there was no legal justification for freezing the state’s accounts, maintaining that the EFCC lacked the authority to take such action.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued an official response on the matter, while the reason for the restriction was not immediately known.
