President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately take steps to reverse the court order freezing an account belonging to the Osun State Government.
In a statement he personally signed on Thursday, the President expressed concern over the timing of the anti-graft agency’s action, describing it as unfortunate, particularly with the Osun governorship election only days away.
Tinubu clarified that while he was not opposed to the EFCC carrying out its statutory responsibilities, the timing of the account freeze could create the impression that federal institutions were being used to influence the electoral process.
He said he had instructed the EFCC to return to court without delay to vacate the freezing order and discontinue all related legal actions against the Osun State Government.
According to the President, actions taken by federal institutions are often attributed to him, even when they are carried out without his prior knowledge, making it necessary for him to intervene in the matter.
Tinubu reiterated that since assuming office in May 2023, he has consistently allowed anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to operate independently without political interference, stressing that strong democratic institutions must function within the law.
However, he noted that although he had not received full details of the case, the proximity of the governorship election made the EFCC’s action inappropriate.
The controversy began after Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke accused the EFCC of freezing one of the state’s commercial bank accounts, which he said was used for paying workers’ salaries. He also alleged that the commission was planning to freeze the accounts of some senior government officials.
Adeleke challenged the EFCC to publicly explain the reasons for its action and provide evidence to justify the decision.
In response, the EFCC maintained that it acted after detecting what it described as suspicious movements of funds from the account into several corporate entities. The commission said freezing the account was necessary to prevent further transfers while investigations continue.
The anti-graft agency insisted the move was in line with its mandate to safeguard public funds and argued that it could not ignore suspected financial misconduct simply because a governorship election was approaching.
The development has sparked political reactions, with opposition figures accusing the EFCC of targeting the Osun State Government ahead of the election. The commission, however, dismissed the criticism, insisting that electoral activities should not prevent it from carrying out its legal responsibilities.
