The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly placed one of the Osun State Government’s bank accounts under restriction less than two weeks before the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15.
According to reports, the affected account, which is maintained with First Bank, has been placed on a Post No Debit (PND) status, preventing withdrawals and other debit transactions.
The reported action comes barely a day after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the anti-corruption agency was planning to freeze the accounts of the state government and several senior officials.
Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the restricted account is primarily used for the payment of workers’ salaries, raising concerns over the possible impact on government operations.
The development is expected to further intensify the political atmosphere in Osun State as preparations continue for the forthcoming governorship poll.
Reacting to the reports in a statement issued on Wednesday, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described the move as an attempt to disrupt the activities of the state government ahead of the election.
Governor Adeleke also insisted that there was no legal basis for the freezing of the state’s account, arguing that the EFCC does not have the statutory powers to impose such restrictions on government accounts.
A source close to the governor, who requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed that the account had indeed been frozen.
According to the source, the governor is expected to address journalists to provide further details and update residents on the situation.