RismadarVoice Reporters, August 5, 2026
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has challenged the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, to explain the reason for freezing the state government’s accounts, describing the action as unlawful and a threat to democracy.
Adeleke made the demand while addressing journalists at the Osun State Government House on Wednesday, following the EFCC’s directive to First Bank to place the state government’s accounts on “Post No Debit” status.
The governor alleged that the accounts were frozen without a court order and vowed to challenge the action at the Federal High Court in Osogbo.
He said, “All I ask is for the EFCC chairman to explain to the good people of Osun State and to Nigerians in general why he froze the Osun State Government Account, and show proof to support whatever reason he presents.”
Adeleke described the development as part of what he called intimidation and attacks against his administration, alleging political motives ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
He also directed the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, to challenge the EFCC’s action in court.
Jimi-Bada confirmed that the state government had received a “Post No Debit” directive from the EFCC through First Bank.
The commissioner argued that while the anti-graft agency could investigate government accounts, it could not freeze them without a court order.
“This step will affect government running, but we will challenge the move and ensure that the agency acts within the ambit of the law,” he said.
The Commissioner for Finance, Sola Ogungbile, also alleged that police operatives visited First Bank’s main branch in Osogbo and arrested some bank staff.
Adeleke maintained that state funds were not being used to finance his re-election campaign and urged the EFCC to consider the impact of the account restriction on government operations and residents.
Earlier, the governor had alleged that the EFCC was planning to freeze all state government accounts as well as those belonging to top government officials.
He described the alleged move as an attempt to paralyse government activities ahead of the August 15 election, insisting that the EFCC had no legal authority to freeze the accounts of a state government.
