Tinubu Directs EFCC to Lift Freeze on Osun Government Account Amid Election Controversy
A major political storm erupted over the EFCC's freezing of an Osun State Government account just before the governorship election, drawing widespread condemnation and a N2 billion lawsuit from the state. President Bola Tinubu intervened, directing the EFCC to unfreeze the account, citing embarrassment over the timing and concerns about perceived federal interference.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) temporarily restricted an Osun State Government statutory allocation account held with First Bank, days before the August 15 governorship election, prompting widespread political and legal reactions.
The commission said the action formed part of an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of about N11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and FAAC allocations, citing suspicious fund transfers and insisting the restriction was lawful and not politically motivated.
The EFCC added that it had been investigating the state since March 2026 and was conducting similar investigations in several other states.
The Osun State Government rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless and accusing the EFCC of acting without a valid court order to frustrate governance ahead of the election. Governor Ademola Adeleke subsequently filed a N2 billion suit against the EFCC, its chairman and First Bank, challenging the legality of the account restriction and seeking damages.
The development also drew criticism from opposition politicians and legal experts, who questioned the timing of the action and raised concerns over due process and the political neutrality of anti-corruption agencies.
Amid mounting controversy, President Bola Tinubu directed the EFCC to approach the court to vacate the account freeze and discontinue related actions. According to the Presidency, the President expressed concern that although the commission acted within its statutory mandate, the timing of the restriction so close to the governorship election could create the perception of federal interference in the electoral process.
The episode has intensified debate over the balance between anti-corruption enforcement, due process and the need to safeguard public confidence in Nigeria's democratic institutions.