Tinubu Orders EFCC to Vacate Court Order Freezing Osun Government Account

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately take steps to vacate the court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government.

The President gave the directive in a statement issued from the State House, Abuja, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

According to the statement, Tinubu said he became aware that the EFCC obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government. He noted that although the EFCC acted within its legal mandate and with judicial approval, he was concerned about the timing of the action.

The President stated that actions taken by federal institutions are often attributed to him, even when he may not have prior knowledge of them. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the independence of anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, stressing that he has consistently avoided interfering in their operational activities.

Tinubu said strong democratic institutions operating within the law are essential to good governance and the rule of law. He added that institutions established by law should be allowed to perform their functions without requiring presidential approval.

However, the President expressed concern that the freezing of the Osun government account came only a few days before the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.

He said no action should create the impression that the EFCC or any federal agency is being used to influence or interfere with 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,” the statement read.

In view of what he described as the overriding public interest in preserving public confidence and the integrity, credibility, and fairness of the democratic process, Tinubu directed the EFCC to return to court to vacate the order and discontinue the action instituted against the Osun State Government in relation to the frozen account.

The statement was signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and dated August 6, 2026, from Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.