Governor Adeleke Sues EFCC, Demands N2 Billion Over Freeze of Osun Allocation Account

The political battle in Osun State has taken a dramatic turn as Governor Ademola Adeleke dragged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to court, demanding 2 billion naira in damages over the agency’s decision to freeze the state’s federal allocation account.

The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, comes amid growing political tension ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election. According to court documents, Governor Adeleke, alongside the Attorney General and Accountant General of Osun State, is challenging the EFCC’s directive that placed a Post No Debit restriction on the state’s Federal Statutory Allocation Account.

The suit also names First Bank Nigeria Limited as a defendant for complying with the EFCC’s directive. The Osun State Government argues that the anti-graft agency acted illegally and unconstitutionally, insisting that the commission has no legal authority to freeze the state’s allocation account without following due process.

In addition to asking the court to nullify the restriction, the state is seeking 2 billion in damages for what it describes as the unlawful interference with its finances.

The legal action follows the EFCC’s ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of about N11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds, and FAAC allocations. The commission has maintained that the account was frozen to prevent the alleged movement of public funds while investigations continue, insisting the action is part of its anti-corruption mandate and is unrelated to the forthcoming governorship election.

However, the Osun State Government has strongly rejected the allegations, describing the investigation as politically motivated and accusing the EFCC of attempting to cripple the state’s finances without sufficient evidence.

The development has further intensified the political atmosphere in Osun, with many observers linking the dispute to the build-up to the governorship election.

As the courtroom battle unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the Federal High Court upholds the EFCC’s actions or rules in favour of Governor Adeleke and the Osun State Government.