The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen the Osun State Government’s bank account, citing an investigation into alleged fraud involving over 11 billion naira, according to a statement from the commission (businessday.ng). The move has sparked controversy, with local political groups and the state government condemning the action as a threat to democratic processes and an undue interference in the upcoming governorship election (realnewsmagazine.net).
The freezing of the account, which is held with a first-generation bank, has caused outrage among citizens and political stakeholders, particularly as the election is scheduled for August 15, just days away (vanguardngr.com). The Imole Campaign Council, supporting Governor Ademola Adeleke, has accused the EFCC of overstepping its authority by interfering in the electoral process (leadership.ng). The state government has also vowed to challenge the decision in the Federal High Court, calling the action unlawful and disruptive to public services (saharareporters.com).
The EFCC has not provided specific details about the alleged fraud, and the state government has expressed concerns over the timing of the freeze, which it claims could undermine the election’s integrity. Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has also petitioned the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) over allegations of vote buying using state funds (dailypost.ng).
