Controversy as EFCC freezes Akwa Ibom, Benue states’ accounts
…Allegation baseless, unfounded, says EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has allegedly frozen “all bank accounts” owned by Akwa Ibom State and Benue State.
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Charles Udoh, disclosed this on Wednesday, adding that the state authorities only learnt of the development on Wednesday.
He also claimed that there were no prior indications from the anti-graft agency.
But the Information Commissioner did not give details of the banks and account numbers that were allegedly frozen by the anti-graft agency.
Udoh, however, said that more information would be provided to Nigerians about the development shortly.
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, also on Wednesday, raised the same alarm that the EFCC has frozen the state’s bank accounts, trapping workers and pensioners’ salaries in a state beset by hardship following months of deadly attacks by suspected herdsmen.
But when The Daily Times contacted the EFCC on the allegations, a top source refuted the allegations, describing the allegations as unfounded, cheap blackmail meant to score political point.
According to the source, the EFCC is challenging the states government to come out with facts, name the banks and account numbers with details.
“EFCC has not secured any court order to freeze any state government’s accounts. These are mere allegations and spurious attempts to whip up sentiments ,” the source added.
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