The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed a First Bank account belonging to the Osun State Government on a “Post No Debit” restriction, sources say, just 10 days before the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15.
Documents seen by Vanguard indicate the affected account is used to pay workers’ salaries.
The restriction follows Governor Ademola Adeleke’s earlier claim that the EFCC planned to freeze state accounts and those of senior officials in the run-up to the poll.
Reacting to the reported action, the Osun State government, through Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Kolapo Alimi, condemned the move as an attempt to disrupt government operations ahead of the election.
Governor Adeleke also argued the EFCC lacked legal authority to freeze a state government’s accounts and said no lawful basis existed for the restriction.
A government insider who asked not to be named confirmed the account has been restricted.
“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 regarding the development, while the reason behind the account restriction remained unclear.
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