EFCC
Olamilekan Abayomi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed a freeze on the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account held with First Bank. The action is linked to an ongoing probe into the state’s finances.
Governor Ademola Adeleke made the disclosure at a press briefing in Osogbo. He described the freeze as a deliberate move to cripple his administration’s activities.
According to Adeleke, the EFCC had previously summoned several government officials for questioning and demanded clarifications on state transactions. He however argued that the commission exceeded its authority by freezing the allocation account.
The governor noted that although some officials had already honored EFCC invitations, the state would contest the freeze in court. He insisted the action was politically driven and intended to undermine his bid for re-election.
The account in question is used for paying workers’ salaries. It has been placed under a Post-No-Debit (PND) restriction, meaning withdrawals and other debits are blocked while deposits are still allowed until the investigation is concluded.
The Commissioner for Finance, Olusola Ogungbile, disclosed that some staff of First Bank were arrested by the EFCC and later transferred to the Nigeria Police for further questioning.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimoh Bada, said the state government has instructed its legal team to file a challenge against the EFCC’s action at the Federal High Court in Osogbo.
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