Adeleke Heads to Court over EFCC Freezing of Osun Account

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered the state’s Attorney-General to challenge in court the decision of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze one of the state government’s bank accounts.

The directive followed the anti-graft agency’s restriction on an Osun State Government account domiciled with First Bank. The account, which is reportedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries, was placed under a “Post No Debit” order.

Addressing journalists at the Government House in Osogbo, Adeleke described the EFCC’s action as a violation of the rule of law. He called on the Chairman of the commission, Ola Olukoyede, to publicly explain the reason for freezing the account and provide evidence to justify the decision.

The governor urged Nigerians and residents of Osun State to closely monitor the development, describing it as an issue that concerns the country’s democratic process.

Adeleke said he had directed the state’s Attorney-General to file a suit at the Federal High Court in Osogbo to challenge the account restriction.

He maintained that the EFCC should clearly state the basis for its action instead of leaving the public without an official explanation.

The account was frozen shortly before the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, although the commission had not disclosed the reason for the restriction as of the time of filing this report.

The EFCC is yet to issue an official statement on the matter.