Tinubu issues directive to EFCC over freezing of Osun Government Account

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to return to court and withdraw the order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, saying the action could create doubts about the fairness of the upcoming governorship election in the state.

The President gave the directive in a State House statement issued on Thursday, August 6, 2026, after learning that the anti-graft agency secured the court order on August 5.

Tinubu said he was not unhappy that the EFCC carried out its legal duty by obtaining a court order.

However, he said the timing of the action was unfortunate because many Nigerians would naturally link the decision to the Presidency, even though he had no prior knowledge of it.

He explained that since taking office, he has allowed anti-corruption agencies and other law enforcement bodies to carry out their responsibilities without political interference.

According to him, institutions created by law should be free to perform their duties independently and professionally within the limits of the law.

The President said he had not yet received full details of the reasons behind the EFCC’s decision to seek the court order.

Even so, he maintained that freezing the state’s accounts just days before the governorship election could give the impression that the Federal Government was trying to influence the electoral process.

Tinubu said no action should be taken by any federal institution that could weaken public confidence in the credibility and fairness of the election.

He added that protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process remained a priority.

Based on that position, the President directed the EFCC to immediately return to court, withdraw the freezing order and end the legal action it had started against the Osun State Government over the matter.