Tinubu Orders EFCC to Vacate Court Order Freezing Osun Government Accounts

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed 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, citing the need to protect the integrity of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

In a State House statement issued on Thursday, President Tinubu said he became aware that the EFCC had secured a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the state’s accounts. While reaffirming his commitment to the independence of anti-corruption agencies, he expressed concern over the timing of the action.

The President said he was “deeply embarrassed” not by the EFCC’s exercise of its statutory mandate, but because actions taken by federal institutions are often perceived by the public as having his direct approval, even when he has no prior knowledge of them.

Tinubu reiterated that since assuming office, he has deliberately refrained from interfering in the operations of the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies, insisting that they must carry out their responsibilities professionally, independently, and in accordance with the law.

He, however, noted that with the Osun governorship election only days away, the freezing of the state’s accounts could create the impression that a federal agency was being used to influence the electoral process.

According to the President, preserving public confidence in the credibility, fairness, and integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process is of overriding national interest.

Consequently, Tinubu directed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue all related actions against the Osun State Government.

The President maintained that while he had yet to receive a full briefing on the circumstances that informed the EFCC’s decision, the timing of the action made it necessary for him to intervene in the public interest.