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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered 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, describing the timing of the action as “deeply embarrassing” just days before the state’s governorship election.
The President’s intervention followed the EFCC’s decision to secure a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the state’s accounts as part of an investigation into alleged financial infractions, including claims that about ₦11 billion was misappropriated.
While reaffirming his commitment to the independence of anti-corruption agencies, Tinubu stressed that the timing of the move risked creating the impression that federal institutions were being deployed to influence the outcome of the forthcoming election.
“I must state that I feel deeply embarrassed not by the EFCC’s exercise of its mandate backed by a court order, but by the timing of the agency’s action,” the President said.
Tinubu explained that although he had not received a full briefing on the details of the investigation, the proximity of the election made it necessary for him to act in order to protect public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He reiterated that since assuming office, his administration had consistently maintained that law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies must discharge their constitutional responsibilities independently, professionally and free from political interference.
Consequently, the President directed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to lift the freezing order and discontinue its action against the Osun State Government pending the election.
The development comes amid a standoff between the Osun State Government and the anti-graft agency. While the state government has denied allegations of financial misconduct, the EFCC insists its investigation is lawful and devoid of political considerations.
Tinubu’s directive is expected to fuel fresh debate over the delicate balance between anti-corruption enforcement and safeguarding electoral integrity, particularly during sensitive political periods.
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