Adeleke to Challenge EFCC in Court Over Freeze on Osun Accounts

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced plans to challenge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in court over the freezing of the state’s bank accounts, describing the action as illegal and a threat to democracy.

Adeleke made this known on Tuesday during a press conference in Osogbo, where he accused the anti-graft agency of directing the state’s banker to freeze the Osun State Government accounts without obtaining a court order.

According to the governor, the state government received a letter from its bank informing it of the EFCC’s directive to place a restriction on the accounts.

“We received a letter from our banker, forwarding a letter from the EFCC instructing the bank to freeze the Osun State Government account. This action was taken without any court order,” Adeleke said.

He alleged that the action formed part of a series of intimidation tactics targeted at his administration and members of the Accord political coalition ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The governor also claimed that the state had witnessed the paralysis of the local government system, police raids, arrests of political supporters and attacks on members of the Accord coalition, which he blamed on political opponents.

Adeleke called on the EFCC Chairman to publicly explain the reason for freezing the state’s accounts and provide evidence to justify the decision.

“All I ask is for the EFCC Chairman to explain to the good people of Osun State and Nigerians in general why he froze the Osun State Government account and show proof to support whatever reason he presents,” he said.

He disclosed that he had directed the state’s Attorney General to institute legal action at the Federal High Court in Osogbo to challenge what he described as an illegal action.

The governor, however, maintained that despite the development, his administration would continue with its election campaign.