Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has commenced legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following the freezing of one of the state’s bank accounts, describing the action as unlawful and politically motivated.
The legal move came hours after the anti-graft agency placed a state government account domiciled with First Bank on “Post No Debit” status, effectively restricting transactions on the account reportedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries.
Speaking at a press briefing in Osogbo on Wednesday, Adeleke maintained that the EFCC lacked the legal authority to freeze the accounts of a state government without a valid court order. He argued that the action violated constitutional principles and threatened democratic governance.
The governor alleged that the restriction was part of efforts to cripple his administration ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state, insisting that his government would challenge the action through the courts.
Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, confirmed that the state government had initiated court proceedings against the EFCC, describing the freezing of the accounts as illegal and capable of disrupting governance and essential public services.
According to the state government, the affected account is used for salary payments and other official obligations, raising concerns over the possible impact on workers and government operations if the restriction remains in place.
The development followed earlier warnings by Adeleke that the EFCC was allegedly planning to freeze the state’s accounts and those of senior government officials, a claim made before confirmation that one of the accounts had already been restricted.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not publicly explained the reason for the account restriction or responded to the lawsuit instituted by the Osun State Government.
