The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly placed a “Post No Debit” restriction on an Osun State Government bank account domiciled with First Bank, just days before the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15.
According to reports, the affected account is one of the state’s operational accounts and is said to be used for the payment of workers’ salaries.
The development comes only hours after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the EFCC was planning to freeze the state government’s accounts, as well as those of some senior government officials.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, Adeleke described the alleged move as politically motivated and aimed at disrupting government activities ahead of the election.
The governor also argued that the EFCC has no constitutional or legal authority to freeze the accounts of a state government, insisting there was no lawful basis for such action.
A source close to the state government, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to comment publicly, 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 on the situation,” the source said.
The source further disclosed that the affected account is reportedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries and other government operations.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued an official statement confirming or explaining the reported restriction, while the reason for placing the account on “Post No Debit” status remained unclear.
