Adeleke Challenges EFCC Over Freezing of Osun Accounts: Demands Explanation, Heads to Court

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has challenged the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, to publicly explain the decision to freeze the state government's bank accounts, describing the action as illegal and a threat to democratic governance.

Speaking with journalists at the Government House on Wednesday, Adeleke said the state received notification from its bank that the EFCC had instructed it to place restrictions on the government's accounts. He alleged that the directive was issued without a court order and insisted that federal agencies must respect the constitutional rights of state governments.

The governor demanded that Olukoyede provide Nigerians with the justification and evidence behind the decision, warning that allowing government agencies to act outside established legal procedures could undermine the rule of law. Adeleke also linked the development to what he described as a series of attempts to intimidate his administration ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Adeleke disclosed that he had directed the state's Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada (SAN), to approach the Federal High Court in Osogbo to challenge the restriction. Jimi-Bada maintained that while the EFCC could investigate government finances, freezing the accounts without a court order would be contested by the state.

The governor further said several officials of his administration had previously honoured invitations from the anti-graft agency and had been cleared. State officials warned that restricting access to government funds could disrupt public administration and affect residents who depend on government services, while rejecting allegations that state resources were being deployed for Adeleke's re-election campaign.