I’m deeply embarrassed – Tinubu orders EFCC to unfreeze Osun govt 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, expressing concern that the timing of the action could undermine public confidence in the forthcoming governorship election. 

In a personally signed statement issued on Thursday, the President said he was “deeply embarrassed” by the timing of the EFCC’s action, even though the anti-graft agency acted within its legal powers by obtaining a court order. He stressed that while he respects the independence of law enforcement agencies, actions capable of creating the impression of political interference must be avoided. 

Tinubu noted that the EFCC secured the court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts as part of an ongoing investigation. However, he argued that implementing such a decision barely days before the state’s governorship election could erode public trust in the electoral process. 

According to the President, since assuming office, he has deliberately refrained from interfering in the operations of anti-corruption agencies and other law enforcement institutions, believing that their independence is essential for good governance and the rule of law.

He explained that although he had not been fully briefed on the details of the investigation that led to the court order, the overriding public interest required that the accounts be unfrozen to avoid any perception that federal institutions were being used to influence the electoral process. 

Tinubu therefore instructed the EFCC to immediately return to court and seek the discharge of the freezing order, allowing the Osun State Government to regain access to its accounts while investigations continue through lawful means. 

The President emphasised that his directive should not be interpreted as an attempt to obstruct the EFCC’s anti-corruption mandate but rather as a measure to protect the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensure a level playing field ahead of the election. 

The development comes amid growing political tension in Osun State ahead of the governorship election, with the freezing of the state’s accounts attracting criticism from opposition figures and raising concerns about the potential impact on government operations and electoral credibility. 

The EFCC had earlier defended its decision, saying the court order was obtained to prevent the alleged diversion of public funds while investigations remain ongoing.