The Osun State Government has announced plans to challenge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in court after the anti-graft agency allegedly froze its bank accounts. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, said Governor Ademola Adeleke had authorised legal action over the development.
Osun prepares legal challenge
Speaking on Wednesday, Jimi-Bada alleged that the EFCC sent a “Post No Debit” directive to First Bank, where the state’s accounts are domiciled. He argued that while the anti-graft agency has the power to investigate government accounts, it cannot freeze them without obtaining a court order.
“I have the mandate of the governor to proceed to the Federal High Court to challenge this move. EFCC can investigate the accounts but it can’t freeze the accounts without order of court.”
The commissioner warned that the action could disrupt government activities, adding that the state would seek judicial intervention.
Finance commissioner reacts
Commissioner for Finance, Sola Ogungbile, also criticised the development. He alleged that police officers visited the main branch of First Bank in Osogbo and arrested some bank staff members. Ogungbile further denied claims that the Adeleke administration was using public funds to finance its re-election campaign. He urged the EFCC to consider the effect the account freeze could have on governance and the welfare of residents.
Adeleke raises alarm
Earlier, Governor Adeleke alleged that the EFCC was planning to freeze all Osun State Government accounts, as well as the accounts of top government officials. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor described the alleged move as unlawful.
According to Adeleke, freezing the state’s accounts ahead of the August 15 governorship election would cripple government activities. He also insisted that the EFCC has no legal authority to freeze the accounts of a state government without following due process. The state government said it would pursue the matter in court to challenge the action.
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