The Osun State Government has commenced legal proceedings against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the reported freezing of its bank accounts, describing the action as unconstitutional and detrimental to governance.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, disclosed on Wednesday that Governor Ademola Adeleke had directed the state’s legal team to approach the Federal High Court to challenge the anti-graft agency’s directive.
According to Jimi-Bada, the state received information that the EFCC had instructed First Bank to place a “Post No Debit” restriction on several government accounts, effectively preventing transactions.
He argued that while the EFCC has statutory powers to investigate financial activities, it cannot lawfully freeze the accounts of a state government without first obtaining an order from a competent court.
“The governor has mandated me to institute legal action at the Federal High Court. The EFCC is empowered to investigate financial transactions, but it cannot freeze government accounts without judicial authorisation,” Jimi-Bada said.
He warned that the restriction could severely disrupt the day-to-day administration of the state, delay the execution of government programmes, and affect the delivery of essential public services.
“We believe the agency must operate within the confines of the law. This action has the potential to hinder governance, and we will challenge it through the appropriate legal channels,” he added.
Also reacting, the Commissioner for Finance, Sola Ogungbile, alleged that police officers visited the main branch of First Bank in Osogbo during the incident and arrested some members of the bank’s staff.
Ogungbile dismissed allegations that state funds were being diverted to finance Governor Adeleke’s re-election campaign, insisting that government resources were being managed in accordance with the law and not used for political purposes.
He urged the EFCC to reconsider the implications of the account restriction, stressing that it could adversely affect government operations and the welfare of residents who rely on public services.
The latest development follows an earlier warning by Governor Adeleke that there were plans to freeze not only the state government’s accounts but also those belonging to top government officials.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor described the reported move as lacking legal basis and alleged that it was aimed at disrupting the activities of his administration ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Adeleke maintained that any attempt to freeze the accounts without a valid court order would amount to a violation of due process and vowed that the state would pursue all available legal remedies to protect its constitutional rights.
