A legal and political dispute has emerged in Osun State after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly restricted access to one of the state government’s accounts with First Bank, about 10 days before the Aug. 15 governorship election. The state government says the action could disrupt its operations and has moved to challenge it in court.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, said Governor Ademola Adeleke directed him to approach the Federal High Court over the reported “Post No Debit” directive issued to the bank. He argued that while the EFCC has powers to investigate financial transactions, the commission cannot freeze a state government account without a court order.
The Commissioner for Finance, Sola Ogungbile, also alleged that police operatives visited First Bank’s main branch in Osogbo and arrested some bank officials during the operation. He denied allegations that the state government was using public funds to finance its election campaign and urged the EFCC to consider the possible impact of the restriction on government services and residents.
The state government had earlier accused the EFCC of planning to restrict its accounts and those of some officials, describing such a move as an attempt to cripple governance ahead of the election. The EFCC had not publicly explained the reason for the reported restriction as of the time of the report, while the dispute is now expected to be determined through legal proceedings.
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