President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to withdraw its court order freezing the Osun State Government’s bank accounts.
The move comes just days before the state’s governorship election, drawing nationwide attention.
The EFCC secured the freezing order on August 5, 2026, while investigating alleged financial misconduct involving about ₦11 billion.
However, Tinubu said the timing of the action could create the wrong public impression during a sensitive electoral period.
“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 he supports the independence of anti-corruption agencies. He added that he had not received a full briefing on the investigation. Even so, he believed the action could reduce public trust in the electoral process.
The President ordered the EFCC to immediately return to court, vacate the freezing order and discontinue its action against the Osun State Government. He also stressed that law enforcement agencies must remain professional and free from political influence.
The EFCC has maintained that its investigation is lawful and not politically motivated. Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has continued to deny any wrongdoing linked to the allegations.
