The Osun State Government has taken the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to court after the agency blocked access to its bank accounts. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, confirmed that Governor Ademola Adeleke ordered the legal challenge at the Federal High Court. The state government contends that the EFCC’s decision to issue a ‘Post No Debit’ order to First Bank is illegal because it was enacted without a necessary court order.
Jimi-Bada stated that while the anti-graft body has the right to investigate, it lacks the authority to seize control of state accounts unilaterally. He expressed concern that this financial restriction could cripple essential government services and daily operations. Finance Commissioner Sola Ogungbile added that police officers had allegedly arrested bank staff at the First Bank branch in Osogbo during the ordeal. Ogungbile denied accusations that public money is being redirected toward the governor’s re-election campaign.
Earlier, Governor Adeleke suggested the move was a politically motivated attempt to stall administration ahead of the upcoming August 15 governorship election. Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, emphasized that the lack of judicial process makes the EFCC’s actions an overreach of their mandate.
