Tinubu Orders EFCC to Lift Freeze on Osun Government Accounts
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court and vacate the order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government.
The President said the decision was taken to safeguard public confidence in the country’s democratic process, especially as Osun prepares for its governorship election in the coming days.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Thursday, Tinubu clarified that he was not questioning the EFCC’s statutory authority to investigate financial crimes. However, he expressed reservations over the timing of the commission’s action, describing it as inappropriate given the political atmosphere in the state.
According to the President, while the anti-graft agency acted on a valid court order obtained on August 5, 2026, the development could create the impression that federal institutions were being used to influence the forthcoming election.
Tinubu noted that actions taken by federal agencies are often perceived by Nigerians as having presidential approval, whether or not he was directly involved.
He reiterated his longstanding position that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies must operate independently, professionally and without political interference, adding that he has consistently refrained from influencing their operational decisions since assuming office.
The President, however, said the circumstances surrounding the Osun account freeze required his intervention in the overriding public interest.
Although he disclosed that he was yet to receive a full briefing on the details of the EFCC’s investigation into the Osun State Government, Tinubu maintained that the timing of the action was capable of undermining confidence in the electoral process.
To preserve the credibility and fairness of the governorship election, the President directed the EFCC to immediately take steps to set aside the court order and discontinue the account freeze.
The EFCC had secured the order as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving the Osun State Government.
The commission had earlier defended its action, insisting it acted within the law and denying allegations that the investigation was politically motivated.
The Osun State Government, on its part, has rejected allegations of financial impropriety, including claims relating to the alleged misappropriation of ₦11 billion, describing the EFCC’s action as unjustified.
Tinubu’s intervention comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the Osun governorship election, with growing public attention on the role of government institutions in ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process.
