By Abigail David
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to return to court and seek the removal of the order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, citing the need to preserve public confidence in the democratic process ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement issued by the State House on Thursday, the President said he was not opposed to the EFCC carrying out its statutory responsibilities but expressed concern over the timing of the action.
Tinubu acknowledged that the anti-graft agency obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, to freeze the state’s accounts as part of an investigation into alleged financial infractions. However, he said the decision, coming just days before the governorship election, could create the impression that federal institutions were interfering in the electoral process.
The President reiterated his commitment to the independence of anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, noting that he had consistently avoided interfering in their operational activities since assuming office. He added, however, that the circumstances surrounding the timing of the EFCC’s action warranted his intervention in the public interest.
According to the statement, Tinubu directed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue the action against the Osun State Government.
The directive follows a dispute between the Osun State Government and the EFCC over the freezing of the state’s accounts. While the commission said the action was linked to an investigation into the alleged handling of about N11 billion in public funds, the state government denied any wrongdoing and challenged the legality of the account freeze.
The development comes as political activities intensify ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
