Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately unfreeze the bank account of the Osun State Government, following concerns over the timing of the anti-corruption agency’s action ahead of the state’s governorship election.

The EFCC had earlier ordered the freezing of the account, citing suspicious movements of public funds linked to an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving about N11 billion ($8.08 million).

The move sparked a political row, with the Osun State Government accusing the anti-graft agency of acting unlawfully and attempting to disrupt government operations just days before voters head to the polls.

In a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said he was not questioning the EFCC's authority, but had intervened because of the timing of the action ahead of the election and the perception it could create.

‘Compelled to intervene’

“While I am yet to be fully apprised of the facts which informed the action of EFCC in approaching the court to obtain the said order freezing the Osun State Government account, I am not in the slightest doubt that the timing of the action of EFCC is inauspicious, and therefore I feel compelled to intervene.”

Tinubu also directed the EFCC to ask the court to vacate the order and discontinue the related action against the Osun State Government.

The Osun State Government had strongly opposed the account restriction, describing it as unlawful and politically motivated.

Governor Ademola Adeleke argued that freezing the state’s accounts would hamper government activities during the election period and alleged that the move was intended to undermine his administration ahead of the governorship contest.

Alleged financial crimes

The EFCC, however, rejected suggestions that its actions were politically motivated, maintaining that the account freeze was part of its mandate to protect public funds and investigate alleged financial crimes.

“The Commission has always pointed out that it is non-partisan and non-sectarian but always working in the overall interests of Nigerians,” it said.

Tinubu said it was important that no action by any federal agency should create the perception of political interference in the electoral process.

“Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election. Therefore, nothing ought to be done to give an impression that the EFCC or indeed any other agency of the federal government is being used to interfere with the election.”