Tinubu Orders EFCC to Vacate Court Order Freezing Osun Govt Account

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately vacate a court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, citing concerns over the timing of the action ahead of the state’s governorship election.

In a statement issued on Thursday from the State House, the President said he became aware that the EFCC secured the court order on August 5, 2026.

While affirming the commission’s statutory powers to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, Tinubu said he was “deeply embarrassed” by the timing of the move, noting that actions taken by federal institutions are often attributed to the Presidency, even without his prior knowledge.

Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to the independence of anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, stressing that he has consistently avoided interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative bodies. He said strong democratic institutions must be allowed to function within the law without political interference.

However, the President said the freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts just days before the governorship election could create the impression that a federal agency was being used to influence the electoral process.

He described the timing of the action as “inauspicious” and said it was necessary to intervene in the overriding public interest.

Consequently, Tinubu directed the EFCC to return to court immediately to vacate the freezing order and discontinue all actions instituted against the Osun State Government in connection with the matter, emphasizing the need to preserve public confidence in the credibility and fairness of Nigeria’s democratic process.