By The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly placed a restriction on an Osun State Government bank account with First Bank, just 10 days before the state’s governorship election.
The account, which is said to be used for the payment of workers’ salaries, has reportedly been placed on “Post No Debit” status, preventing withdrawals.
The development follows allegations by Governor Ademola Adeleke that the anti-graft agency was planning to freeze the accounts of the state government and some senior government officials.
In a statement issued on Wednesday through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor described the reported action as an attempt to disrupt government operations ahead of the August 15 governorship poll.
Adeleke argued that the EFCC has no legal authority to freeze a state government’s accounts, insisting there is no statutory basis for such action.
A source within the state government, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly, confirmed that the account had been restricted.
According to the source, the account freeze is no longer a mere allegation, adding that Governor Adeleke is expected to brief journalists on the matter.
As of the time of this report, the EFCC had not issued an official statement regarding the reported restriction, and the reason for the action remained unclear.
Vanguard
