The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially defended its decision to freeze the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, stating the swift action was necessary to halt the alleged diversion of N11 billion in public funds.

The anti-graft agency broke its silence on Wednesday via a statement on its official X account. The commission revealed it has been quietly investigating the Osun State Government since March 2026 over the suspected fraudulent handling of Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds, and statutory allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

According to the EFCC, high-ranking state officials, including the Accountant General, have already undergone questioning. While the ongoing probe would not normally trigger an immediate account freeze, the agency claimed it detected highly suspicious, massive fund movements starting August 2, 2026.

"The Commission noticed huge transfers of funds into different corporate entities and had to swiftly halt the trend by freezing the accounts," the statement read. "The Commission cannot watch idly while a state government’s account is being pillaged."

Responding to allegations of political interference ahead of the upcoming August 15 Osun governorship election, the EFCC insisted its mandate is entirely non-partisan. The agency noted that several other state governments are currently under similar financial surveillance.

The EFCC`s justification comes directly on the heels of a fierce protest by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke. Speaking to journalists at the Government House in Osogbo, Adeleke slammed the account freeze as illegal, arbitrary, and a direct assault on the state`s administration.

"All I ask is for the EFCC chairman to explain to the good people of Osun State and to Nigerians in general why he froze Osun State Government Account, and show proof to support whatever reason he presents," Governor Adeleke demanded, emphasizing that the action was taken without a valid court order.

The Governor has already directed the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada (SAN), to file a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Osogbo.

Jimi-Bada argued that while the EFCC maintains statutory powers to investigate public finances, it completely lacks the legal authority to place a Post No Debit (PND) order on a state`s operational accounts without prior judicial approval. The state government intends to seek immediate judicial redress to restore access to its funds.