By SUNTV Global Channel News Desk
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | Politics | Osogbo, Osun State
OSOGBO, NIGERIA — Civil society and pro-democracy organisations have criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its decision to freeze the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account barely 10 days before the state’s governorship election, describing the move as a threat to democratic governance and due process.
In a petition addressed to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC and signed by Bankole Solomon, the groups alleged that the timing of the agency’s action raises serious concerns about political neutrality and could erode public confidence in the electoral process.
According to the petition, the restriction placed on the state’s account could disrupt critical government operations, including the payment of workers’ salaries, pensions, healthcare services, security-related expenditures, and other essential public services.
While acknowledging the EFCC’s legal mandate to investigate financial crimes, the organisations maintained that enforcement actions should be carried out in a manner that does not create the impression of political interference, particularly during an election period.
The groups also questioned why similar measures had not been taken against other states facing corruption investigations, insisting that anti-corruption efforts must remain impartial, transparent, and free from political influence.
They warned that freezing the account of an entire state government before the conclusion of investigations could unfairly punish innocent citizens by disrupting governance and public service delivery.
The petition called on the EFCC to immediately lift the restriction on the Osun State Government’s account and publicly explain the circumstances that led to the action just days before the August 15 governorship election. The organisations further urged the anti-graft agency to reassure Nigerians of its independence and commitment to a credible electoral process.
The controversy follows reports that the EFCC directed First Bank Plc to place a Post-No-Debit restriction on the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account as part of an ongoing investigation under the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Earlier, Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that plans were underway to freeze the state’s accounts and those of senior government officials, claiming the move was intended to cripple governance ahead of the governorship election. The EFCC subsequently confirmed that the statutory allocation account had been placed under restriction as part of its investigation.
As of the time of this report, the EFCC has maintained that the action is lawful and forms part of its ongoing investigation, while civil society organisations continue to demand the immediate reversal of the restriction.
