By SUNTV Global Channel
August 6, 2026 | Abuja, Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take immediate steps to lift the court order freezing the Osun State Government’s bank account, assuring Governor Ademola Adeleke of the decision during a telephone conversation on Thursday.
The development was confirmed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed that Tinubu personally informed Governor Adeleke that he had instructed the anti-graft agency to approach the court and vacate the freezing order.
According to Onanuga, the President reiterated his commitment to ensuring that federal institutions are not perceived as interfering in the democratic process, particularly with the Osun State governorship election just days away.
Tinubu described the timing of the EFCC’s action as unfortunate, saying he was “deeply embarrassed” by the impression it created, even though the commission acted within its legal mandate and under a valid court order.
The President noted that Nigerians often hold him responsible for actions taken by federal agencies, regardless of whether he had prior knowledge of such decisions.
He emphasized that his administration has consistently allowed anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to operate independently without political interference. However, he maintained that no action should create the perception that government institutions are being used to influence an election.
The EFCC had frozen the Osun State Government’s account as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of approximately ₦11 billion involving Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds, and Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations.
The anti-graft agency stated that its investigation began in March 2026 and included the questioning of several government officials, including the state’s Accountant General.
According to the commission, the court-issued Post No Debit order followed the discovery of what it described as suspicious transfers of large sums of money from government accounts into various corporate entities beginning on August 2, 2026.
Despite criticism over the timing of the action, the EFCC insisted that the investigation is strictly based on evidence and is not politically motivated.
The latest directive from President Tinubu is expected to allow the Osun State Government to regain access to its accounts while the legal process surrounding the investigation continues.
