EFCC Says Osun Account Freeze Not New, Claims It Saved N12bn During Edo Governorship Election

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has defended its decision to freeze the Osun State Government’s bank accounts, insisting that the action was a routine anti-corruption measure and not politically motivated.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, dismissed allegations that the commission targeted Osun because of the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for August 15.

Uwujaren explained that the commission had taken similar measures in previous cases where suspicious financial transactions were detected, citing the 2024 Edo State governorship election as an example. According to him, the EFCC restricted Edo State’s accounts after observing unusual movements of public funds before the transition of power from former Governor Godwin Obaseki to the current administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

He said the intervention enabled the commission to preserve about N12 billion in state funds, which later became available to the incoming administration for governance and public service delivery.

The EFCC spokesperson maintained that the commission acts strictly within the powers granted to it by law whenever evidence suggests attempts to divert or misuse public resources.

On Wednesday, the commission disclosed that it froze Osun State’s accounts while investigating the alleged fraudulent management of ecological and intervention funds. It said the probe, which began in March, involved questioning several government officials, including the state accountant-general.

According to the EFCC, investigators observed substantial transfers from the government’s accounts into several corporate entities beginning on August 2, prompting the temporary restriction.

However, the Osun State Government rejected the explanation, describing the allegations as unfounded. Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, accused the commission of acting under political influence.

Alimi claimed the account freeze was intended to prevent the state government from paying palliatives promised to workers, alleging that the action was carried out at the instance of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

The controversy comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with Governor Ademola Adeleke seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party.

Political tensions have intensified in recent weeks, with Adeleke’s supporters accusing federal agencies, including the EFCC and the police, of attempting to intimidate opposition figures. The All Progressives Congress has denied the allegations, insisting that law enforcement agencies are acting independently and within the law.