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2027: Court Sacks Ondo APC Candidate, Orders INEC To Recognize Arobo As Winner Of Primary

By
Akinwale Kasali
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APC

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to recognize Abdugani Arobo as the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the Candidate for  Owo/Ose Federal Constituency of Ondo State at the upcoming 2027 House of Representatives election.

 

The Court sacked Timehin Adeleye as the APC Candidate at the 2027 Poll following findings that Arobo is the rightful candidate of the Party having won the APC primary election.

 

Justice Lifu delivered the judgment following a suit filed by Arobo against the APC and Electoral umpire, INEC, after the Party submitted Adeleye’s name as its candidate.

 

Although the APC National Working Committee forwarded Adeleye’s name to INEC, the decision was opposed by several Party members and leaders in Ondo State, leading Arobo to challenge it in court.

 

In its ruling, the court held that the APC did not make a lawful return from the primary election and found that the evidence presented by the party contained contradictions.

 

The Court further ruled that Arobo secured the highest lawful votes during the APC primary election held on May 16, 2026, making him the valid winner of the contest for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency ticket.

 

According to the judgment, Arobo polled 7,959 votes in Owo Local Government Area and 2,583 votes in Ose Local Government Area.

 

Based on its findings, the Court declared that Arobo is the only aspirant whose name can legally be submitted to INEC as the APC candidate for the constituency in the 2027 general election.

 

The Court also ordered the APC to accept, recognise and deal only with Arobo as the winner of the party’s primary election for the House of Representatives seat.

 

In addition, the court barred the APC and its representatives from recognising or dealing with any other person as the party’s candidate for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency.

 

Justice Lifu further directed INEC to reopen its nomination portal to allow the submission and upload of Arobo’s name as the APC’s duly nominated candidate for the constituency ahead of the 2027 general election.

First Bank Under Pressure To Unfreeze Osun Govt Account

By
James Orji
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Olusegun Alebiosu - First Bank MD

Nigeria’s premier commercial bank, First Bank Limited, FBNL  is currently under serious pressure to unfreeze the Post No Debit, PND imposed on the account of the Osun State Government, acting on the order of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The anti-graft agency ordered the account to be frozen in a letter it wrote to the Managing Director of First Bank, Olusegun Alebiosu, dated April 15, 2026. It said it took the action after discovering suspicious movement of funds from the account.

Speaking on Arise Television on Thursday, EFCC spokesperson  Wilson Uwujaren defended the agency’s action, saying it acted in the public interest after investigations indicated that over N18 billion was moved out of the account in the last few days. He noted that Sections 38(1) and 38(2) of the EFCC Act, 2004, and Section 24 of the Money Laundering Act empower the commission to freeze any account for 72 hours once financial impropriety has been discovered.

The agency claimed it was trying to prevent the N11 billion left in the said account from being looted.

In spite of the EFCC’s defence, analysts insist that the commission still requires a court order to freeze the account, even when it has discovered fraudulent or unlawful practices.

“The EFCC cannot act arbitrarily on issues that affect a sub-national government as if it is almighty. It is a simple matter of law that before you can place a PND on any customer’s account—including that of an individual, government or organisation—it has to be backed by a court order. A court must issue an order to that effect to avoid any liability,” a legal practitioner said on Thursday.

The remarks come on the heels of the condemnation by the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA which said the EFCC may have carried out an illegal act by freezing the account without a court order.

Reacting to the issue, NBA President Afam Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN said the anti-graft agency could have secured a court order once it discovered that the state government’s account was allegedly being used for fraud.

According to Osigwe, the EFCC’s order is unconstitutional and exceeds the agency’s powers. He said the action has placed the state government under serious pressure because it may find it difficult to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.

“No government agency or any person has the right or the power to restrict withdrawals from the account of any state because, first of all, the order has the effect of grounding the activities of a government,” Osigwe said.

The NBA President added: “If the EFCC knows that any particular account is being used for the purpose of fraud, it may be able to obtain a court order, but it cannot make a blanket order freezing the accounts of any state.

“Such an order would be unconstitutional and also violate the powers of the EFCC. It may actually amount to an abuse of power. We should not have such a situation.

“If there is a need to freeze the account of a person or government, there is a need to provide a proper basis for it and obtain a proper court order.”

The EFCC’s action has also received sharp criticism from the African Democratic Congress, ADC which described the freezing of the state’s bank account as “political terrorism,” alleging that the commission is trying to financially strangulate the state government.

A former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC Prof. Chidi Odinkalu said the EFCC has acted unlawfully by freezing the bank account through a mere administrative directive. described

“EFCC needs a court order to do that, sir. It cannot be done lawfully as an administrative act,” Odinkalu, a lawyer said.

The public outrage against the EFCC comes amid the state government’s revelation that it has dragged the EFCC and First Bank to court over the matter, contending that the agency’s action is unconstitutional and a violation of due process.

Meanwhile, financial experts insist that the commercial bank may have erred by complying with the EFCC’s directive without a valid court order, saying the lender could share in any liability if the action is eventually declared unlawful.

“The bank appears to have acted on the EFCC’s order, but that does not make it legal. As a corporate organisation, the first thing the bank should have done was ask for a court order authorising the EFCC to carry out the action. That would show that the bank is acting responsibly and not on the whims and caprices of those in government,” financial expert Adebakin Emmanuel said.

He added: “First Bank appears to have acted as a tool of the Federal Government and has inadvertently taken sides in the murky waters of politics currently playing out in Osun State after deciding to implement the EFCC’s order without asking for a court order.

“Business and politics are separate issues. I think those in the bank are wise enough to understand this, unless they want to tell Nigerians that they are now part of the ruling government.”

Military Places Handsome Bounty On ISWAP Governor Of Lake Chad Region

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Wanted Terrorists

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

A reward of N60 million awaits any person(s) who  could volunteer credible intelligence that can lead to the interception of the deadly duo of the self-acclaimed Governor of the Islamic State West African Province ISWAP ,Abu Musa Al-Magawi Baa Shuwa ,and his lieutenant ,Amirul Jaish Muhammad Jidda.

 

The terrorist kingpins who have been on the radar of the authorities of North East Joint Taskforce , Operation Hadin Kai have been identified as the key figures in the spate of violent attacks, kidnapping and killings within the Lake Chad corridor.

 

They were declared wanted by the Nigerian Army after being identified through the forensic analysis of some technical devices which were obtained during recent military campaigns launched against terrorists enclaves in the Lake Chad region.

 

A statement from Captain Muhammed Goni, the spokesperson for the North East Joint Taskforce , Operation Hadin Kai, informed that high-value intelligence materials and camcorder which were recovered during the military operations have given valuable insight into the terrorist activities of the wanted men .

Goni described the operations as highly successful ,and a significanot breakthrough in the ongoing campaign to dismantle terrorists networks within the Lake Chad region.

 

According to him ,the recovered devices are being used by the terrorists to prepare propaganda materials, including videos ,as well as document their operational activities.

 

The Military spokesperson stated that while anybody with useful information that can lead to the arrest of the ISWAP leaders will receive a reward of N50 million, N10 million will be offered for intelligence leading to the apprehension of his deputy.

 

He emphasized that all information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality ,and the informants adequately protected.

 

“Subsequent forensic exploitation of the recovered devices generated actionable intelligence, leading to the identification of locations associated with terrorist activities, as well as identities of several senior ISWAP leaders operating within the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis along the fringed of the Lake Chad Chad Basin in Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno state.

How ONSA Rallied Military, DSS, Police, To Rescue 380 Kidnapped Victims In Niger, Kwara

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nuhu Ribadu - NSA
Nuhu Ribadu, NSA

By Ayodele Oni

 

Details of the security onslaught which led to the rescue of 176 victims abducted in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara state have emerged.

 

They were among the 380 victims rescued by a joint operation, comprising personnel of various arms of security agencies and spearheaded by the office of the National Security Adviser, ( ONSA).

 

The development was announced on Wednesday in a post on the official Facebook page of the Kwara State Government, months after 176 victims were abducted.

 

The government wrote, “Alihamdulillaah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!”

 

The victims were kidnapped when suspected Boko Haram-linked extremists invaded the rural communities of Woro and Nuku on motorcycles, launching a coordinated assault that reportedly lasted several hours.

 

The attack, regarded as one of the deadliest in Kwara State’s history, reportedly claimed more than 200 lives, left several others injured, destroyed homes and businesses, and forced many residents to flee.

 

Local vigilantes who attempted to repel the attackers were reportedly overwhelmed, with some allegedly trapped and burnt inside their office.

 

Security sources familiar with the operation told Zagazola Makama that the operation, carried out on Wednesday, involved personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under ONSA, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies working under a unified command structure.

 

Security sources disclosed that the intelligence-driven operation culminated in the safe rescue of all 308 victims, highlighting the growing collaboration among Nigeria’s military, intelligence and law enforcement agencies in tackling kidnapping and organised crime across the North-Central region.

 

 163 of the victims were rescued after being abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while another 145 victims were freed during coordinated operations in Niger State.

 

The sources explained that the simultaneous operations were the outcome of extensive intelligence gathering, meticulous inter-agency planning and synchronised deployment designed to prevent the kidnappers from relocating their captives or escaping security forces.

 

Although authorities withheld specific operational details for security reasons, officials said the rescue followed sustained intelligence-led efforts involving multiple security agencies operating under the coordination of ONSA.

 

Security experts have repeatedly noted that kidnapping syndicates in the North-Central region exploit dense forests and state boundaries to evade security operatives.

 

However, the latest rescue operation is said to reflect an increasing emphasis on intelligence sharing, joint operational planning and coordinated responses to complex security threats.

 

The rescued victims have been evacuated to the Military Medical Facility at Wawa Cantonment in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State, where they are receiving medical attention, psychological support and other humanitarian assistance.

 

Medical personnel are conducting comprehensive health assessments on the victims, many of whom endured prolonged periods in captivity under difficult conditions.

 

Security officials also said documentation, debriefing and arrangements for their eventual reunification with their families are ongoing.

 

The successful operation is expected to provide fresh intelligence to support follow-up operations aimed at identifying, tracking and dismantling the criminal networks responsible for the abductions.

 

Security sources described the rescue as the product of sustained intelligence coordination rather than a single tactical raid, stressing that effective collaboration among the participating agencies was instrumental in securing the victims’ freedom without any reported loss of life among those rescued.

 

The operation marks another significant milestone in ongoing efforts by Nigeria’s security agencies to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and intensify the fight against kidnapping, terrorism and other forms of organised violent crime across the country.

EFCC Fights Back: We Have Powers To Freeze Osun Govt Accounts for 72 Hours Without Court Order

By
James Orji
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Ola Olukoyede - EFCC Chairman
Ola Olukoyede, EFCC Chairman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has insisted that it posseses powers to freeze the Osun state Government account. The anti-graft agency said the law empowers it to freeze any bank account in the country for 72 hours, saying it has not committed any illegality over the issue.

The Commission’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwajaren made the remark while speaking on Arise Television on Thursday amidt the public backlash that has trailed its decision to freeze one of the accounts of the state government.

Not a few Nigerians, including the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA have trenchantly condemned the action to be illegal, saying it will hamper government’s financial capability, particularly as the state election is slated for few days, on August 15.

According to the EFCC, the agency has the powers to declare a Post No Debit, PND on any account once it discovers any trace of financial impropriety, which it alleged has been noted in the state account that has now been frozen.

The agency stated that its action was based on public interest despite the criticism it has received from not a few Nigerians, including the state government which regards the action to be politically motivated.

The EFCC stressed that all the accounts belonging to the state government were not frozen, saying suspicious movement f funds have been noticed in the last few days in the account under PND.

“The essence is just to preserve that account because we observed suspicious activities on that account in terms of the transfer of funds to a number of entities within one week. We had to take that decision, not minding the fact that there is an election process in place,” Uwanjuren said.

EFCC Has the Powers To Freeze the Account

According to the commission’s spokesperson, the law permits it to take the action once it establishes suspiciuos movement of public funds, citing Section 34 of the EFCC Act which grants the commission thr ‘authority” to freeze the account for “72 hours” adding that the PND will lifted once it’s satisfied that no suspicious act is going on in the account.

“We have the responsibility under the law to do so because if we don’t take that step and, for instance, funds are looted from the account of the Osun State Government, the Nigerian public will ask, ‘Where was the EFCC when those funds were being moved?

“It does not stop the Osun State Government from running the government of the state because they have access to other funds in the other accounts. What we have done is not a blanket freezing of the account. It’s just a targeted freezing. Once we are satisfied that activities on that account are no longer suspicious, it will be lifted.

“Section 34 of the EFCC Act and Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2022 give us that authority,” he said, adding that the commission could maintain such a restriction for up to 72 hours before seeking judicial approval if necessary.

“The restriction order can last within 72 hours before we can come with a court order if we need to provide a court order,” the agency said.

Osun Election: Davido Invokes Chioma’s Name, Reminds Uzodimma Of His Imo Connection, Urges Him To Let Peace Reign

By
Adesina Soyooye
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David Adeleke popular as Davido
David Adeleke popular as Davido

By Adesina Soyooye

 

Afrobeat Singer, David Adeleke, popular as Davido, has appealed to Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma  not to use Osun as political battleground to prove a point

 

Davido, while addressing a press conference in Osogbo on Wednesday,  appealed to Uzodimma not to allow the forthcoming Osun State governorship election to become a political battleground.He, instead, asked the Governor to support a peaceful and credible electoral process.

 

Uzodimma, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Governors Forum, is also the leader of the APC Osun State Campaign Team in the Governorship Election coming up on August 15.

 

On the other hand, Davido, a nephew of the incumbent Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is also leading the Accord Party Youths in the State to give  a clear victory to his uncle.

 

At the Press Conference,  Davido addressed security concerns and other sundry issues surrounding the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

 

Pouring encomium on his Governor Adeleke, Davido described him as one of the state’s finest leaders, pointing at the administration’s projects, integrity and commitment to governance. He said that those achievements and more are why he us backing the Governor for a second term.

Governor Hope Uzodimma
Governor Hope Uzodimma

Davido who spoke on behalf of the youth campaign mobilisation team, said the group found it necessary to reassure young voters and encourage them to participate peacefully in the election.

 

Expressing confidence that Governor Adeleke would secure another victory at the polls, Davido urged the people to remain calm, the tense political atmosphere notwithstanding.

 

 “Reject violence, intimidation, provocation and the destruction of lives and property throughout the election period, he urged supporters, and

encouraged eligible voters across the state to troop out without fear, and exercise their civic responsibility.  “Every vote should count and the choice of the electorate must be respected. Osun has a reputation for peace, courage and resilience”, he said.

 

To Governor Uzodimma  Davido disclosed that he had heard reports tgat suggest attempts to influence the Osun governorship election or use the state to settle political interests. He acknowledged that the information was unconfirmed yet. However,  he appealed to Uzodimma to use his position to promote peace and allow Osun people to decide their future freely through the ballot.

 

Saying his appeal came from a sincere heart, Davido flaunted his personal ties with Imo State from where his wife, Chioma, hails.

 

Davido:  “And to our daddy from Imo State, I say this with respect, Sir.

“I’ve heard rumours suggesting that there are moves to interfere in the Osun State election or use the state as a political battleground to prove a point. I do not present these claims as facts, but I appeal to you, Sir, to use your influence to promote peace and allow the people of Osun to choose their candidates freely.

 

“We have mutual connections, and I have a deep connection to Imo State. My wife, Chioma, is from the state, which makes this appeal more sincere.

 

“Please, let Osun remain peaceful. We say it again. Please, let Osun remain peaceful. One more time. Let Osun remain peaceful.

 

“Thank you. Let’s allow democracy to take its course and let the people decide.”

Onaiyekan: FG Tones Down, Acknowledges Contributions Of Catholic Church To National Development

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Cardinal John Onaiyekan2
Cardinal John Onaiyekan

By Adesina Soyooye 

 

In a matured, measured and conciliatory manner, away from the maddening crowd, the Federal Government has acknowledged the contributions of the Catholic Church to national development.

 

The relationship between the Church and the FG soured in the past few days, triggered by the aftermath  of the meeting the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Nigeria had with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential  Villa.

 

At the meeting, the Catholic Bishops expressed their fears, worries and concerns over the state of the nation, particularly as it relates to the hunger in the land, the sufferings of the masses, the economy and the unprecedented insecurity 

 

The President, however, did not agree with them. He had a different opinion. He dismissed their concerns with a wave of the hand, almost, and gave the impression that things were okay.

 

A couple of days later, the Archbishop Emeritus, Archdiocese of Abuja, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, in a television interview, revealed what transpired between them and the President and what the President’s attitude was towards their concerns.

 

What the Cardinal said irked the Presidency, and, at least, three Presidential Aides descended on him in response, using not too respectful language.

 

But not a few Nigerians, including high profile individuals and the Catholic Church pushed back, lamenting the attack on Onaiyekan. It was getting out of hand, almost.

 

But on Wednesday, a mellowed voice intervened in a conciliatory manner from the Presidency.

 

In a personally signed statement, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, acknowledged the contributions of the Catholic Church to national development.

 

He said the Federal Government will work on a strong collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, as well as other stakeholders so as to address the social, economic and security challenges facing Nigeria.

 

In the statement, Akume said that the Tinubu Administration believes that  lasting solutions require sustained partnership with faith-based organisations, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens.

 

He said that the Government remains open to constructive dialogue and honest counsel, and added that discussions with the Catholic Bishops covered issues including security, the economy, education, public services, electoral credibility and religious freedom.

 

Akume, also,  reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to democratic principles, and stressed that “it neither seeks nor supports a one-party state and will continue to respect the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.”

 

He assured that  “consultations with the Catholic Bishops and other stakeholders would continue in the interest of peace, national unity and sustainable development.”

Nigerian Army Arrests, Investigates Two Soldiers On Illegal Duty At Peller and Jarvis’ Wedding

By
Ayodele Oni
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Habeeb Hamzat

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Nigerian Army has commenced investigations into how some of its personnel acted as body guards at the wedding ceremony of content creator, Habeeb Hamzat popularly known as Peller, and TikTok personality Jarvis.

 

Already two serving soldiers have been arrested in what was described as their alleged involvement in an unauthorised deployment during the wedding ceremony.

 

According to reports, the arrests followed intelligence indicating that the soldiers participated in an illegal deployment at the celebrity wedding held in Lekki, Lagos State, over the weekend.

 

Military sources revealed that the personnel were apprehended on Tuesday morning as investigations began into the incident.

 

According to a military source, preliminary investigations are underway to determine the extent of their involvement and identify any other personnel who may have participated.

 

The development follows the circulation of videos from the high-profile wedding showing individuals in military uniforms providing security around some celebrity guests.

 

One of the widely shared clips allegedly showed a soldier escorting TikTok personality, Ivanna through the crowded venue, prompting criticism on social media and raising questions about the use of military personnel at a private event.

 

The wedding of Peller and Jarvis attracted numerous entertainers, influencers and content creators, becoming one of the most talked-about celebrity events of the weekend.

 

The Nigerian Army has consistently maintained that serving personnel are prohibited from undertaking unauthorised private security duties or participating in deployments without official approval.

WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons Maul Egypt, Zoom Into Quarter Finals

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Falcons

By Akinwale Kasali

 

The Super Falcons has once again cemented its position as the best in the continent as it booked a place in the Quarter Finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, Championship in Morocco, by walloping the Female Pharaoh’s of Egypt 6-2.

 

The Coach Justine Maduagu-Team went into the match knowing that they needed to score at least four goals, hoping that Zambia defeats Malawi, or the Malawians defeat the Coppers of Zambia.

 

Interestingly, the Zambians took the lead as early as the second minute through Barbra Banda, before adding the second through Mary Chilfuya.

 

At the other fixture, the Super Falcons struggled against the Egyptians, as the Female Pharaoh’s came out to prove a point, firing from all cylinder.

 

Asisat Oshoala gave the Super Falcons the lead from the penalty spot to put the Nigeria team ahead.

 

Unfortunately, Oshoala got a knock leading to her substitution.

 

Gift Monday who replaced Oshoala scored the second goal to put the Super Falcons on the driver’s seat.

 

A clumsy challenge from Michelle Alozie in the 18 Yard box gave the Egyptians a ray of hope, as the resultant spot kick was converted by Nadine Ghazi, reducing the deficit.

 

As the second half resumed, Coach Maduagu substituted Folashade Ijamilusi for Uchenna Kanu, who came into the fray to score Nigeria’s third goal.

 

Christy Ucheibe added the fourth goal from the Penalty spot to give the Super Falcons a Three goal caution.

 

However, in the other fixture, Tabitha Chawinga has reduced the deficit for the Malawians, as Nigeria fell into third position on the log in Group C.

 

Sadly, Egyptian dangerous forward, Ghazi pulled another goal back for the Egyptians putting the Super Falcons in a tight position with less than five minutes to the end of the match.

 

The Malawians were already jubilating following the scoreline at 4-2, having finished their match, losing 2-1 to Zambia.

 

If the result had remained like that, debutants, Malawi will qualify for the Quarter Finals.

 

The Nigeria Team started firing from all cylinders as their attack paid off when an Egyptian player fouled a Nigerian attacker in the box.

 

Team Captain, Rasheedat Ajibade stepped forward to take the penalty kick, which was duly converted to make it 5-2.

 

In added time, substitute, Joy Omewa Ogochukwu scored the sixth goal to give the Super Falcons an unassailable lead, and secure their place in the Quarter Finals.

 

With this victory, the Super Falcons will meet the Top placed team in Group D in the Quarter Finals scheduled for the weekend.

NBA, ADC Kick As EFCC Explains Why It Froze Osun State’s Accounts

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
EFCC Operatives

By Adesina Soyooye

 

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has condemned the freezing of the bank accounts of the Osun State Government just as the African Democratic Congress, ADC, described it as terrorism.

 

The strong condemnations come on the heels of the  explanation by

the EFCC, as to why it took the extreme action.

 

According to the Commission, it froze the account  because there were, allegedly,  suspicious movement of funds from the accounts.

 

Nigerians woke up Wednesday, August 5, to the alarm raised by the Osun State Government that they had a solid information that the EFCC was going to freeze the Government’s account as well as those of some top Government officials.

 

True to the alarm it raised, the EFCC, in a move that has pushed not a few people to ask questions  froze the First Bank accounts of the State.

 

The action coming barely 10 days to the Governorship election, many people say, is in bad fate, especially, as it has become public that it was the Osun State Chapter of the APC that wrote petitions to the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, against the Osun State Government alleging withdrawal of funds to, allegedly, buy votes.

 

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has described the action as act of terrorism, while the NBA has dismissed it as an abuse of power.

 

But in a response it posted Wednesday on X, the EFCC said accounts of the State has been under its monitor since March, 2026, over, according to the Commission, the State’s untidy handling of  about N11billion in Ecology funds, Intervention Funds and allocations from the Federation Accounts.

 

The Commission  said that as part of its ongoing

investigation, it had questioned some officials of the State Government, including its Accountant General.

 

The Commission, however, claimed that the investigation would not have led to the freezing of the accounts if it had not noticed some suspicious movements of funds beginning  August 2 from the Government’s accounts.

 

EFCC: “These ongoing investigations of the State Government would not have warranted any placement of Post No Debit order on its account but for the precipate and unwarranted  movement of funds from the accounts to different suspicious accounts since August 2, 2026.

 

“The Commission noticed huge transfers of funds into different corporate  entities and had to swiftly halt the trend by freezing the accounts from which such heavy funds are being moved.

 

“The Commission’s preventive mandate is a public-inclined framework of safeguarding public funds, assets and resources.

 

“The Commission cannot watch idly while a state   government’s account is being pillaged. While the Commission is fully aware of the impending governorship election in Osun State, it has a responsibility to act in defence of the sanctity of the funds of the state.

 

“It will be uncharitable for the Commission to allow an excuse of an upcoming election to fold its arms to perform its legally-assigned functions.

 

“It is equally needful to state that the Commission is keeping watch over the finances of other States like Osun State. Many of these States are on the investigative radar of the Commission to ensure accountability and probity.

 

“The Commission has always pointed out that it is non-partisan and non-sectarian but always working in the overall interests of Nigerians. The Osun State Government account was frozen to save public funds from being looted.”

 

However, not a few reactions insist the EFCC action was a deliberate and well-timed move to cripple the state government.

 

Aside from the ADC which likened it to terrorism, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has kicked against it.

 

Speaking om Wednesday to The Punch, its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, described the action as an abuse of power aimed at crippling governance in the State.

 

He said: “No Government agency or any person has the right or the power to restrict withdrawals from the account of any state, because first of all, the order has the effect of grounding the activities of a government.

 

“If the EFCC knows that any particular account is being used for the purpose of fraud, it may be able to obtain a court order, but it cannot make a blanket order freezing the accounts of any state.”

 

The Osun State Government has gone to Court to challenge the EFCC order.

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