The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly placed a restriction on an Osun State Government account with First Bank, barely 10 days before the state’s governorship election.
According to Vanguard, the affected account, which is said to be used for the payment of workers’ salaries, has been placed on a “Post No Debit” status, preventing any withdrawals or transactions.
Freshnews.ng reports that the reported development comes just days after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the anti-graft agency was planning to freeze bank accounts belonging to the state government and some top government officials ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Reacting to the latest development, the Osun State Government described the action as an attempt to frustrate government activities in the days leading up to the poll.
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the reported account restriction was capable of disrupting the smooth running of government operations.
Governor Adeleke had earlier maintained that there was no legal basis for such a move, insisting that the EFCC does not have the constitutional powers to freeze the accounts of a state government.
A source familiar with the matter also confirmed that the account had already 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.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had yet to issue an official statement on the reported action, while the reason for placing the account under restriction remains unknown.
Submit a Press Release | Advertise With Fresh News | Contact Us
