The Osun State Government has commenced legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the reported freezing of its bank accounts, describing the move as unlawful and capable of disrupting government operations.

The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, disclosed on Wednesday that Governor Ademola Adeleke had directed him to file a suit at the Federal High Court challenging the anti-graft agency’s action.

According to Jimi-Bada, the state government was informed that the EFCC issued a “Post No Debit” directive to First Bank, where several government accounts are domiciled, restricting transactions on the accounts.

He argued that while the EFCC has the authority to investigate financial transactions, it cannot freeze a state government’s accounts without first obtaining a court order.

Jimi-Bada warned that the restriction could severely affect the day-to-day administration of the state and the delivery of essential public services, adding that the government would pursue legal action to ensure the agency acts within the law.

Also reacting, the Commissioner for Finance, Sola Ogungbile, alleged that police officers visited the main branch of First Bank in Osogbo and arrested some members of the bank’s staff during the incident.

Ogungbile dismissed allegations that public funds were being used to finance Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election campaign, insisting that state resources were not being diverted for political purposes.

He urged the EFCC to consider the wider impact of the account restrictions on governance and the welfare of residents.

The legal action follows Governor Adeleke’s earlier claim that there were plans to freeze the state’s accounts ahead of the August 15 governorship election, an action he described as lacking legal justification and aimed at disrupting government activities.

The EFCC has yet to issue an official response to the lawsuit or the allegations.
:::writing