Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose is expected to be inaugurated today as the Chairman of the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last month.

The inauguration ceremony is scheduled to hold by 10 a.m. at the Ministry of Power headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

Ahead of the event, Fayose met with the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, in Abuja, where both men discussed strategies aimed at improving the agency’s capacity to deliver rural electrification projects across the country.

Speaking after the meeting, Fayose described the discussions as productive and focused on strengthening the performance of the agency.

“I met with the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, an engineer, today, and we had fruitful discussions,” Fayose said.

According to the Presidency, the newly constituted REA board will be headed by Fayose, while Alhaji Ahmadu Abubakar and Ilyasu Makinta will serve as members and non-executive directors.

The board will also include the agency’s Director-General, Abba Aliyu, alongside the three executive directors currently serving in the organisation.

The appointments are expected to reinforce the leadership structure of the Rural Electrification Agency as it continues implementing the Federal Government’s efforts to expand electricity access to underserved and rural communities across Nigeria.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has instituted a ₦2 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), challenging the agency’s decision to freeze the state’s Federal Statutory Allocation Account, which he described as unlawful and unconstitutional.

Also listed as plaintiffs in the suit are the Attorney General of Osun State and the Accountant General of the state.

The case, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja by a legal team led by M. T. Adekilekun (SAN), names the EFCC, its Chairman, and First Bank of Nigeria Limited as the first, second and third defendants, respectively.

In the originating summons, the plaintiffs asked the court to determine several constitutional and legal questions surrounding the EFCC’s authority to freeze the state’s bank account.

Among the issues presented before the court are:

“Whether, having regard to the express provisions of sections 1, 6, 36, 44 and 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and Section 34 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, 2004, the 1st and 2nd Defendants possess the lawful authority to freeze, restrict, block, place a ‘post no debit’ order on, or otherwise interfere with the Osun State Statutory Account maintained with the this Defendant, without regard to due process of law.

“Whether, having regard to the combined express provisions of Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Section 34 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, 2004, the 1st and 2nd Defendants possess the lawful authority to freeze, restrict, block, place a ‘post no debit’ order on, or otherwise interfere with the Osun State Government Federal Statutory Allocation Account, Number 2017170947, maintained with the 3rd Defendant, without first obtaining and serving a valid, subsisting, and specific order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

“Whether, having regard to the combined express provisions of Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Section 34 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, 2004, the directive of the 1st Defendant to the 3rd Defendant ordering the freezing or restriction of the Osun State Statutory Account No. 2017170947, maintained with the 3rd Defendant, vide its letter with Reference No. CR:3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/PFS/TA/OSUN/VOL.17/666 dated 5th August 2026 and authored by ACE I Adenike S. Babalola (for: Director, Investigation), without any prior or concurrent court order sought, obtained and served on the third Defendant, does not constitute an egregious act of executive lawlessness, an unlawful resort to self-help, a flagrant abuse of statutory powers, an unlawful suppression of the constitutional powers and functions of the Plaintiffs, a threat to the constitutional and corporate existence of Osun State, a brazen and unlawful denial of the democratic rights and dividends of the people of Osun State, and a direct violation of the fundamental constitutional principles of due process, the rule of law, and the financial autonomy of a federating unit.

“Whether, having regard to the combined express provisions of Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Section 34 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, 2004, the third Defendant, being the banker to the Government of Osun State in respect of the said statutory account, can lawfully freeze or continue to freeze, restrict, block, or deny the Government of Osun State unrestricted access to the said account merely upon an administrative directive, letter, request, instruction, or communication from the first and/or second Defendants in the manner done herein, in the absence of a valid, subsisting, and specific order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

“Whether, having regard to the effect of the combined express provisions of Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Section 34 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, 2004, and in the absence of an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, this Honourable Court ought not to forthwith set aside the directive given by the first Defendant to the third Defendant in a letter dated 5th August 2026 ordering the freezing, restriction, blocking, or placing of a post-no-debit instruction on the Osun State Statutory Account with the third Defendant, given that such action was allegedly taken in violation of due process, and in a manner demonstrably capable of crippling the constitutional and statutory obligations of the Government to the people of Osun State.”

The plaintiffs further asked the court to determine:

“Whether, having regard to the effect of the combined express provisions of Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Section 34 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, 2004, and in the absence of an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, the 3rd Defendant did not breach the duty of care owed to the Osun State Government when, on the purported directive of the first and second Defendants, it placed a restriction on the Osun State Statutory Account with the third Defendant, given that such action was allegedly taken without a court order, in violation of due process, and in a manner demonstrably capable of crippling the constitutional and statutory obligations and rights of the Government and people of Osun State.”

The Osun State Government is seeking declarations that the freezing of its account was unconstitutional, unlawful, beyond the powers of the EFCC and therefore null and void.

Among the reliefs sought are:

“An order setting aside, vacating, and nullifying the freezing, restriction, blocking, post-no-debit instruction, or any other restraint placed on the Osun State Statutory Account maintained with the 3rd Defendant vide its letter with Reference No. CR:3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/PFS/TA/OSUN/VOL.17/666 dated 5th August 2026 and authored by ACE I Adenike S. Babalola (for: Director, Investigation), for being unlawful, unconstitutional, and without legal basis.

“An order mandating the third Defendant to forthwith unfreeze, unblock, and remove all restrictions, and to allow the Government of Osun State immediate and unrestricted access to and operation of the said Osun State Statutory Account.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the first and second Defendants, whether by themselves, their officers, agents, servants, privies, or any person acting on their behalf, from freezing, restricting, blocking, placing a post-no-debit instruction on, or otherwise interfering with the Osun State Statutory Account or any other account of the Government of Osun State without following due process of the law.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the 3rd Defendant, whether by itself, its officers, agents, servants, privies, or any person acting on its behalf, from acting on any directive, letter, instruction, or request from the first and/or second Defendants to freeze, restrict, block, or deny access to the Osun State Statutory Account, except in the manner stipulated by law.”

The plaintiffs are also asking the court to award ₦2 billion as exemplary and aggravated damages for what they described as the unlawful interference with public funds, in addition to the cost of the litigation.

No hearing date has been fixed for the suit.

The legal action comes shortly after President Bola Tinubu directed the EFCC to immediately return to court to vacate the order freezing the Osun State Government’s Federal Statutory Allocation Account.

Earlier, the EFCC confirmed that it froze the account as part of an ongoing investigation, insisting the move was intended to prevent the alleged diversion of public funds and was unrelated to the forthcoming governorship election.

The commission said it had been investigating the Osun State Government since March 2026 over the alleged fraudulent management of Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds, and Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations amounting to ₦11 billion.

Governor Adeleke, however, described the action as unconstitutional.

Amid the growing controversy, President Tinubu ordered the anti-graft agency to take immediate steps to lift the restriction on the state’s account.

In a statement personally issued on Thursday, the President said he felt “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 Nigerian Army has declared two senior leaders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) wanted, placing a combined ₦60 million bounty on them as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the terrorist group’s leadership structure in the Lake Chad Basin.

The wanted suspects are Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, identified as the Governor (Wali) of ISWAP, and his deputy, Muhammad Jidda, who are both accused of playing key roles in the terrorist group’s operations across northeastern Nigeria.

According to the military, the identities of the two leaders were uncovered through forensic analysis of technical devices recovered during a recent offensive carried out by troops of Operation Hadin Kai against ISWAP fighters in the Lake Chad region.

The Acting Military Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday.

As part of the reward package, the Army announced ₦50 million for credible information leading to the arrest of Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, while ₦10 million has been offered for information that results in the capture of his deputy, Muhammad Jidda.

Captain Goni explained that the breakthrough followed successful military operations in northern Borno State, during which troops recovered several technical devices and valuable intelligence materials belonging to the terrorist group.

Among the recovered items was a camcorder allegedly used by ISWAP members to produce propaganda videos and document their operational activities.

According to the military, forensic exploitation of the recovered devices generated critical intelligence that exposed terrorist hideouts and identified several top ISWAP commanders operating within the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis along the Lake Chad Basin, covering parts of Abadam and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State.

The statement read:

“Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has recorded another significant breakthrough following recent successful offensive operations against ISWAP/ISIS terrorists in the Lake Chad region of Northern Borno State.”

Captain Goni further stated that:

“Subsequent forensic exploitation of the recovered devices generated actionable intelligence, leading to the identification of locations associated with terrorist activities as well as identities of several senior ISWAP leaders operating within the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis along the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin in Abadam and Kukawa local government areas of Borno State.

“The identified terrorist leaders and key operatives include Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa – Wali (Governor of ISIS West Africa Province), his Deputy/Amirul Jaish Muhammad Jidda (“The One-Handed Man”) and Hamad Abu Hanifa, the Amirul-Fiya of ISWAP, among others.”

The Army described Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa as the most wanted ISWAP commander currently operating in the Lake Chad Basin and urged members of the public to assist security agencies with useful intelligence.

According to Goni:

“The military will offer a substantial financial reward to any individual whose credible and actionable information directly leads to his arrest.”

He assured Nigerians that any information provided would be handled with strict confidentiality and that informants would be protected in line with established security procedures.

The military also appealed to residents, particularly those in communities around the Lake Chad region, to continue supporting ongoing counter-terrorism operations by reporting suspicious movements and individuals.

“Operation Hadin Kai urges members of the public to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by providing credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in locating and apprehending these suspected terrorist operatives.”

The Nigerian Army advised citizens not to confront or attempt to arrest the suspects themselves but instead report any useful information through approved security channels or by calling 07084988859.

“Citizens are strongly advised not to confront or attempt to apprehend the suspected terrorists under any circumstances,” the statement added.

The latest development highlights the military’s continued efforts to weaken ISWAP’s command structure through intelligence-driven operations as security forces intensify campaigns against insurgent groups operating across Nigeria’s North-East.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court to vacate the order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, describing the timing of the action as unfortunate and capable of creating the wrong public impression.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the President and released through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President’s intervention comes less than 24 hours after the EFCC announced that it had secured a court order to freeze the state’s accounts as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged mismanagement of approximately ₦11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds, and Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations.

While acknowledging that the anti-graft agency acted based on a valid court order, Tinubu expressed concern over the timing of the decision, noting that actions taken by federal institutions are often perceived by the public as directives from the Presidency.

“It has come to my notice that the EFCC obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government. 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.

“This is so because every action taken by an institution of State, especially at the Federal level, is always credited to me, as the President, even when I may not have had any prior knowledge of the action,” Tinubu stated.

Following the development, the President instructed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to have the freezing order lifted and discontinue every related action affecting the Osun State Government’s accounts.

Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to preserving the operational independence of anti-corruption agencies and other law enforcement institutions.

According to him, since assuming office, he has consistently maintained that agencies such as the EFCC must be allowed to perform their constitutional duties independently, professionally, and without political interference.

The controversy began on Wednesday when the EFCC disclosed that it had been investigating the Osun State Government since March 2026 over allegations of fraudulent handling of public funds valued at about ₦11 billion.

The commission stated that its investigation centres on the management of Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds, and FAAC allocations, adding that the decision to freeze the state’s bank accounts was intended to preserve public funds while investigations continue.

The latest directive from President Tinubu is expected to reverse the account restriction as the legal process continues, while the EFCC’s investigation into the alleged financial misconduct remains ongoing.

The decision by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze the bank accounts of the Osun State Government has sparked intense political and legal controversy just days before August 15, the state’s governorship election.

The anti-graft agency insists the action was necessary to prevent the alleged diversion of public funds under investigation, while Governor Ademola Adeleke has described the move as unconstitutional, insisting it was carried out without a court order.

At the centre of the dispute is an ongoing EFCC investigation into the alleged handling of about ₦11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations, as well as questions over whether the commission has the legal authority to freeze a state government’s account without judicial approval.

Why Did The EFCC Freeze Osun State Government Accounts?

According to the EFCC, the freezing of Osun State Government accounts was not because of the August 15 governorship election but because investigators allegedly discovered suspicious financial transactions while probing the state’s finances.

The commission revealed that it has been investigating the Osun State Government since March 2026 over the alleged fraudulent management of approximately ₦11 billion received through Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and FAAC allocations.

As part of the investigation, several state officials, including the Accountant General of Osun State, have reportedly been questioned.
However, the EFCC stated that the investigation alone would not have resulted in a restriction on the accounts if investigators had not noticed what they described as suspicious transfers beginning on August 2, 2026.

According to the commission:
“These ongoing investigations of the state government would not have warranted any placement of Post No Debit order on its account but for the precipitate and unwarranted movement of funds from the accounts to different suspicious accounts since 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 from which such heavy funds are being moved.”

The commission explained that the Post No Debit (PND) restriction was intended to stop further movement of funds while investigations continue.

EFCC Says It Was Protecting Public Funds

The anti-corruption agency defended its decision, insisting that its primary responsibility is to safeguard public resources and prevent the alleged looting of government funds.

According to the EFCC:
“The Commission’s preventive mandate is a public-inclined framework of safeguarding public funds, assets and resources.

“The Commission cannot watch idly while a state government’s account is being pillaged. While the Commission is fully aware of the impending governorship election in Osun State, it has a responsibility to act in defence of the sanctity of the funds of the state.

“It will be uncharitable for the Commission to allow an excuse of an upcoming election to fold its arms to perform its legally-assigned functions.”
The EFCC also stressed that Osun is not the only state currently under financial scrutiny.

“It is equally needful to state that the Commission is keeping watch over the finances of other states like Osun State. Many of these states are on the investigative radar of the Commission to ensure accountability and probity.”

The agency maintained that it remains non-partisan and urged Nigerians to disregard claims suggesting its actions were politically motivated.

Governor Adeleke Rejects EFCC’s Action

Governor Ademola Adeleke strongly criticised the freezing of the state’s accounts, describing the move as illegal and politically suspicious given its timing ahead of the governorship election.

Speaking to journalists in Osogbo, the governor challenged EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede to publicly justify the action.

“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.”

The governor argued that the restriction could disrupt governance, particularly salary payments and other essential government obligations.

Earlier, Adeleke had alleged that the EFCC planned to freeze government accounts just days before the election, describing the move as an attempt to cripple the administration.

Can The EFCC Freeze A State Government Account Without A Court Order?

One of the major legal questions raised by the controversy is whether the EFCC has the constitutional authority to freeze a state government’s account without first obtaining a court order.

Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada (SAN), argued that although the commission has investigative powers, those powers do not automatically include freezing government accounts.

According to him, the state government intends to challenge the action before the Federal High Court.

Under Nigeria’s EFCC Act 2004, the commission can seek court orders to temporarily freeze accounts suspected to contain proceeds of crime during investigations.

Several previous court decisions have reinforced the principle that financial institutions generally require judicial authorisation before restricting access to bank accounts, particularly where constitutional rights or public funds are involved.
Legal analysts believe the outcome of any court challenge may clarify the scope of the EFCC’s powers regarding state government accounts.

How The Account Freeze Could Affect Osun State

The affected account, reportedly domiciled with First Bank, is said to be one of the major operational accounts used by the Osun State Government.

Officials have indicated that the account is used for:

• Salary payments
• Government operational expenses
• Public service funding
• Other official financial transactions

If the restriction remains in place, observers say it could affect the state’s ability to meet financial obligations unless alternative arrangements are made or the restriction is lifted.

Political Tension Ahead Of The Governorship Election

The account freeze comes amid heightened political tension ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election.

Recent weeks have witnessed several controversies, including:

• Security operations involving senior state officials
• Allegations of vote-buying investigations
• Disputes over police deployments
• Calls for the redeployment of security commanders
• Accusations between major political parties regarding election interference

The timing of the EFCC’s action has therefore generated significant public debate, with opposition and ruling party supporters interpreting the development differently.

The freezing of the Osun State Government’s bank accounts has become one of the most significant legal and political issues ahead of the state’s governorship election.

While the EFCC insists the restriction was imposed solely to prevent the alleged diversion of public funds during an ongoing ₦11 billion investigation, the Osun State Government maintains that the action violates due process because it was allegedly taken without judicial authorisation.

As the matter heads to court, the legal proceedings are expected to determine not only the validity of the account freeze but also clarify the extent of the EFCC’s powers when investigating the finances of state governments.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, granting pay increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for approximately 250,000 military personnel.

The Presidency announced on Tuesday that the revised salary package will take effect from September 1 as part of efforts to improve the welfare of officers and soldiers serving across the country.

According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the salary adjustment will significantly increase the annual wage bill for the armed forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.

Breakdown of the New Salary Structure

Under the newly approved pay package:

• Officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.
• Personnel from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer will benefit from a 50 per cent increase.
• Soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest adjustment with an 80 per cent salary increase.

Tinubu Says Troop Welfare Remains a Priority

The Presidency said the salary review recognises the commitment, bravery and sacrifices of military personnel involved in tackling banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other security threats across Nigeria.

According to Onanuga, President Tinubu stressed the importance of supporting those who risk their lives to protect the nation.

“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation.”

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the armed forces through improved welfare and enhanced operational capacity.

“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties.”

He further noted that national development cannot be achieved without security.

“Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.”

President Tinubu urged members of the armed forces to see the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service.

“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” he said.