Osun Drags EFCC To Court Over Post No Debit On Account

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Government has sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, ( EFCC), over the freezing of one of the bank accounts of the State government.

Report has it that the anti graft agency has reportedly embargoed one of the state government account with First Bank.

The development came shortly after Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that the anti-corruption agency was planning to freeze the State ’s accounts as well as those of top government officials.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor condemned the reported action, describing it as an attempt to undermine the administration and disrupt governance ahead of the election.

He maintained that the EFCC has no constitutional or legal authority to freeze the accounts of a state government without due process.

A government source, confirmed that the restriction had taken effect.

“I can confirm that the state government account has been frozen by the EFCC. It is no longer an allegation. The governor will address the press shortly to update the public on the situation,” the source said.

The source disclosed that the affected account is one of the government’s key operational accounts and plays a vital role in the payment of salaries and the execution of government activities

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada on Wednesday, said he has the mandate of the governor to sue the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after the anti- graft agency froze government accounts.

Jimi-Bada said a ‘Post no debit’ letter from the EFCC was forwarded to the management of the First Bank where Osun government accounts were domiciled on Wednesday.

The commissioner, who expressed readiness to proceed to court, said the move by the anti-graft agency may hamper government’s business, noted that Governor Ademola Adeleke was not using state funds to run its campaign for reelection.

“I have the mandate of the governor to proceed to the Federal High Court to challenge this move.

“EFCC can investigate the accounts but it can’t freeze the accounts without order of court.

“This step will affect government running but we will challenge the move and ensure that the agency acts within the ambit of the law,” Jimi-Bada said.

Corroborating the Attorney General, Osun State Commissioner for Finance, Sola Ogungbile, alleged that police operatives had stormed the main branch of First Bank in Osogbo and arrested staff members of the bank.

He also said Adeleke was not using state funds for his campaigns and urged the anti graft agency to consider the implications that the move will have on the general well-being of the residents.