Osun denies N11bn loot allegation, accuses EFCC of political witch-hunt

The face-off between the Osun State Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has deepened following allegations by the anti-graft agency that about N11 billion was looted from the state’s coffers, a claim the state government has dismissed as baseless and politically motivated.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the Osun State Government accused the EFCC of orchestrating a campaign to justify what it described as the unlawful freezing of the state’s bank accounts, insisting that no public funds had been stolen.

The statement, signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, alleged that the commission’s action was aimed at disrupting the payment of palliatives to civil servants during a period of economic hardship.

Although the government disclosed that the palliative payments had already been completed after consultations with organised labour, it maintained that the account freeze was an attempt to frustrate the administration’s welfare programme

Battle Over N11 Billion Allegation

At the centre of the dispute is the EFCC’s claim that investigations uncovered the alleged diversion of approximately N11 billion belonging to the state.

However, the Osun Government categorically rejected the allegation, describing it as “false, misleading and unsupported by facts.”

READ ALSO; Isaac Fayose criticises EFCC over freeze on Osun government account

According to the government, the anti-corruption agency has been investigating the state’s financial transactions since March 2026 but has failed to produce any evidence linking the administration or its officials to financial misconduct.

Officials argued that despite months of scrutiny, the EFCC had not filed charges against any state official or obtained a court judgment establishing any financial impropriety.

The government therefore questioned the basis for the commission’s public allegations, insisting that due process requires credible evidence before accusations of large-scale corruption are made.

Government Links Account Freeze to Workers’ Welfare

Beyond disputing the corruption claims, the Osun Government alleged that the timing of the account freeze coincided with plans to disburse financial relief to workers coping with rising living costs.

According to Alimi, the administration interpreted the action as an effort to prevent the implementation of its welfare programme.

He disclosed, however, that discussions with labour unions enabled the government to complete the palliative payments despite the financial restrictions.

READ ALSO; Inside the N11bn probe: Why EFCC froze Osun State government account

The government said the development demonstrated its commitment to workers’ welfare and contradicted suggestions that state finances had been compromised.

‘State Resources Used for Development’

The administration further defended its financial management, insisting that public funds under Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration have been channelled towards infrastructure development, salary obligations, welfare programmes and other public services.

It maintained that available records of government expenditure are transparent and capable of withstanding independent scrutiny.

Officials argued that ongoing developmental projects across the state are evidence that public resources have been deployed for governance rather than diverted for private gain.

Questions Over EFCC Investigation

The latest disagreement has also drawn attention to the EFCC’s ongoing investigation into Osun State’s finances.

According to the government, the probe has lasted several months without any formal charges or prosecutable evidence being presented.

The administration alleged that the prolonged investigation raises questions about whether the exercise is driven by legitimate anti-corruption objectives or political considerations.

It described the investigation as an attempt to criminalise governance and undermine public confidence in the state administration.

Government Challenges EFCC to Follow Due Process

While denying any wrongdoing, the Osun Government said it remains prepared to cooperate with lawful investigations but insisted that anti-corruption agencies must operate within constitutional and legal boundaries.

The administration challenged the EFCC to present any credible evidence before a competent court if it believes any offence has been committed, rather than relying on public allegations.

It reiterated that there was no missing or looted ₦11 billion and maintained that the allegations were designed to justify actions already taken against the state’s finances.

Growing Tension Between State and Anti-Graft Agency

The dispute marks another chapter in the increasingly tense relationship between the Osun State Government and the EFCC, with both sides holding sharply contrasting positions over the management of state finances.

While the EFCC has maintained that its investigations are aimed at protecting public funds and enforcing accountability, the Osun Government insists the commission’s actions have crossed into political interference.

As the controversy unfolds, attention is expected to shift to whether the anti-graft agency will institute legal proceedings to substantiate its allegations or whether the dispute will remain confined to the arena of public accusations and political rebuttals.