The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly placed a restriction on an Osun State Government bank account with First Bank, just days before the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15.
According to reports, the account, which is said to be used for the payment of workers’ salaries, has been placed under a Post No Debit (PND) directive by the anti-graft agency.
The development follows recent claims by Governor Ademola Adeleke that the EFCC was planning to freeze accounts belonging to the state government and some senior officials ahead of the election.
Reacting to the reported action, the Osun State Government, through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described the move as an attempt to disrupt government activities in the run-up to the governorship poll.
Governor Adeleke also questioned the legality of the action, insisting that the EFCC has no statutory authority to freeze the bank accounts of a state government.
A source within the administration, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the account had been restricted and disclosed that the governor would address the public on the matter.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not released an official statement, and the reason for the reported account restriction remained unknown.
