Aug 6, 2026

Osun Govt Says ‘Nothing to Loot’ as It Counters EFCC Account Freeze

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Osogbo, Nigeria – August 6, 2026 — The Osun State Government has strongly rejected the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) explanation for freezing its bank accounts, insisting there is “nothing to loot” and describing the action as a politically motivated attempt to disrupt governance ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

In a statement on Thursday, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Kolapo Alimi dismissed the EFCC’s claims of alleged diversion of ₦11 billion in ecological funds, intervention funds, and Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations.

On Wednesday, the EFCC confirmed it placed a Post-No-Debit order on the state’s accounts.

The commission said the investigation into the alleged fraudulent handling of the funds began in March 2026 and that some officials, including the Accountant-General, had already been questioned.

According to the anti-graft agency, the freeze became necessary after investigators detected “precipitate and unwarranted” large transfers from government accounts into various corporate entities starting from August 2.

The EFCC maintained the move was preventive, aimed at safeguarding public funds, and not connected to the forthcoming election.

Alimi described the EFCC’s narrative as “a failed attempt to cover up illegal action through unfounded allegations.” He alleged that the real motive was to stop the payment of palliatives the state government had promised workers months earlier, claiming the freeze was ordered by former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

The commissioner stated that the government had already paid the palliatives to workers despite the account restriction, following negotiations aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship.

“We don’t loot public funds in Osun State; we deliver on public goods and services,” Alimi said.

“There is no fund to loot in Osun State as the little resources we have are expended on the many mega projects, workers’ welfare and sectoral developments for the benefit of the masses.”

He accused the EFCC of pursuing a “hatchet job” for the Osun APC and conducting a witch-hunt investigation since March without producing indicting evidence.

The government argued that if the commission had credible evidence, it should follow established legal procedures rather than freezing state accounts in what it called a politically motivated and unlawful manner.

The development comes amid heightened tension in Osun State as Governor Ademola Adeleke seeks re-election on the Accord Party platform.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is determined to reclaim the state. Adeleke’s camp has previously accused federal agencies of being used to intimidate the ruling party in the state, a claim the APC has dismissed as signs of electoral anxiety.

As the election approaches, the exchange between the state government and the EFCC has further polarised political discussions, with both sides standing firmly by their positions.

The Osun Government has challenged the commission to present concrete evidence in court rather than relying on what it described as afterthought justifications.