Tinubu orders EFCC to lift freeze on Osun State accounts

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take immediate steps to reverse the court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government.

The President gave the directive on Thursday, expressing concern that the timing of the action, coming just days before the state’s governorship election, could create doubts about the credibility of the electoral process.

In a personally signed statement, Tinubu disclosed that he only recently became aware that the anti-graft agency secured a court order on August 5, 2026, authorising the freezing of the state’s accounts.

While stressing that he respects the constitutional role of the EFCC and has consistently allowed anti-corruption agencies to operate independently, the President said the development was unfortunate because of its timing.

According to him, although the commission has the legal authority to investigate financial crimes and obtain court orders where necessary, such actions should not create the impression that federal institutions are being used to influence political processes.

Tinubu reiterated that his administration remains committed to strengthening democratic institutions by allowing investigative and law enforcement agencies to perform their duties without interference.

He noted, however, that he had not yet received a comprehensive briefing on the circumstances that led to the EFCC’s application but maintained that the action should not have been taken so close to the governorship poll.

The President said the proximity of the election makes it necessary to avoid any development capable of eroding public confidence in the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.

Consequently, he directed the EFCC to return to court without delay to seek the withdrawal of the order freezing the state’s accounts and discontinue the action against the Osun State Government.

Tinubu explained that the directive was issued in the overriding public interest and to ensure that no government agency is perceived as interfering in the forthcoming governorship election.