Tinubu Directs EFCC to Vacate Court Order Freezing Osun Government Accounts.

Tinubu Directs EFCC to Vacate Court Order Freezing Osun Government Accounts.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately approach the court to vacate the order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government.

The directive followed reports that the EFCC obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the state’s accounts over an ongoing investigation. In a statement issued on Thursday from the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu expressed concern over the timing of the action, noting that it came just days before the Osun State governorship election.

The President said although he respects the constitutional independence of anti-corruption agencies and has consistently refrained from interfering in their operations, the circumstances surrounding the freezing of the state’s accounts required his intervention.

Tinubu explained that every action taken by federal institutions is often attributed to the Presidency, regardless of whether he had prior knowledge of such decisions. He stressed that while the EFCC has the legal authority to carry out its responsibilities, the timing of the court order could create the impression that the Federal Government was attempting to influence the forthcoming election in Osun State.

According to the President, since assuming office, he has maintained a policy of allowing anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to operate independently, professionally, and without political interference, believing that strong institutions are essential for democratic governance and the rule of law.

He, however, stated that although he had not been fully briefed on the facts that informed the EFCC’s application to freeze the accounts, he considered the timing of the action inappropriate given the proximity of the governorship election.

President Tinubu emphasized that no action should be taken by any federal institution that could undermine public confidence in the credibility, fairness, and integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

Consequently, he directed the EFCC to immediately return to court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue any legal action instituted against the Osun State Government in connection with the matter.

The President reiterated his commitment to upholding democratic principles, protecting the independence of state institutions, and ensuring that federal agencies do not create the perception of political interference in the electoral process.