President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to return to court and withdraw the order freezing the Osun State Government’s bank accounts. The directive came on Thursday, just days before the scheduled governorship election in the state, after the President said the timing of the action could affect public trust in the electoral process.
The accounts were frozen after the EFCC secured a court order as part of an investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving the Osun State Government. Before the President’s intervention, the anti-graft agency had defended its action, maintaining that it acted within the law and had the power to restrict transactions linked to suspected financial crimes.
In a statement issued by the State House, Tinubu said he was not questioning the EFCC’s legal authority to investigate corruption cases. However, he said carrying out such an action so close to a major election could create the impression that federal institutions were being used to influence political events.
The President explained that although he had not been fully briefed on the facts behind the investigation, he considered the timing inappropriate because Osun residents would soon head to the polls to elect a governor. He stated that no action by any federal agency should raise doubts about the fairness and credibility of the election.
Tinubu also said he had consistently allowed anti-corruption agencies and other law enforcement bodies to carry out their duties without interference since assuming office. According to him, he believes such institutions should operate independently and within the law, free from political influence.
Despite that position, the President said the current situation required his intervention because actions taken by federal agencies are often linked to the Presidency in the eyes of the public. He noted that preserving confidence in the democratic process was more important than allowing doubts to grow during the election period.
Following his decision, Tinubu instructed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue the legal action against the Osun State Government in relation to the affected accounts.
The development comes after a dispute between the Osun State Government and the EFCC over allegations of financial misconduct. While the anti-graft agency insisted that its investigation was lawful and not politically motivated, the state government rejected the claims, denied allegations of misappropriating public funds and accused the commission of trying to justify the account restriction.
The President’s directive is expected to ease tensions surrounding the controversy as political activities continue ahead of the Osun governorship election.