By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly placed a restriction on an Osun State Government account held with First Bank, just 10 days before the state’s governorship election.
The account, reportedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries, was said to have been placed under a “Post No Debit” order by the anti-graft agency, according to documents obtained by Vanguard.
The development follows an earlier claim by Governor Ademola Adeleke that the EFCC was planning to freeze accounts belonging to the state government and some top officials ahead of the August 15 poll.
Reacting to the reported move, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described it as an attempt to disrupt government activities ahead of the election.
Governor Adeleke also questioned the legality of the action, arguing that the EFCC does not have the authority to freeze a state government’s account.
A source close to the administration confirmed that the account had been restricted, saying the matter was no longer an allegation.
“I can confirm that the state government account has been frozen by the EFCC. The governor will address the press shortly to update the public,” the source said.
However, the EFCC has yet to officially comment on the development or disclose the reason for the reported restriction as of the time of filing this report.
