The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has reportedly frozen a First Bank account belonging to the Osun State Government, 10 days before the state’s August 15 governorship election.
Documents described by Vanguard reportedly show that the account, said to be used for paying civil servants’ salaries, was placed on “Post No Debit” by the anti-graft agency.
The reported restriction came hours after Governor Ademola Adeleke raised an alarm that the EFCC planned to target state accounts and those of senior officials.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described the move as an attempt to cripple government operations ahead of the poll.
There is no legal basis for freezing the accounts of the state government. The EFCC lacks the statutory powers to take such action.
A government source who spoke on condition of anonymity also confirmed that the account had 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.
As of publication, the EFCC had not issued an official statement explaining the reported restriction, and its reason remained unclear.
The development adds to political tension in Osun as parties make their final preparations for the governorship election.
Source note: This report is based on information and quotations supplied to Izon Daily and attributed to Vanguard. The August 15 election date is also reflected in INEC’s published election information.
