Alleged N1.3b fraud: EFCC unfroze Oyo Assembly DFA’s account – Spokesman, Olayanju claims

Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Kazeem Olayanju has said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued an order to unfreeze the account of a director of the State Assembly.

Olayanju made this disclosure via a statement made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday.

He was reacting to the freezing of the account of the Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA) of the State House of Assembly, Mrs B. O. Ogundipe.

Our correspondent gathered on Wednesday that the anti-graft agency had placed a ban on the account of the DFA.

Sources had told DAILY POST that the EFCC placed a Post-No-Debit (PND) on the account of the DFA for initially failing to honour an invitation of the commission.

The placement of PND restricts the owner from withdrawing funds from the bank account.

The freezing of the account was part of probe into the purchase of vehicles by the Assembly.

The EFCC had earlier invited some officials of the State Assembly over money spent on the purchase of vehicles totalling N1.3b.

The development was sequel to a petition sent to EFCC by an Abuja-based lawyer, Tosin Ojaomo who alleged that some vehicles bought for members of the House were refurbished vehicles.

Ojaomo alleged that the purchased vehicles were allegedly refurbished and sold as new vehicles to members of the assembly.

Our correspondent, however, gathered on Wednesday that the anti-graft agency placed the ban on the account to investigate the allegations

But, Olayanju while reacting, said it was true that the EFCC froze the account of the DFA.

But also informed that the EFCC has issued an order to unfreeze the account.

He said the EFCC only froze the account of the DFA and not the Assembly or the lawmakers.

Olayanju said the petitioner was exercising his duty.

“EFCC has issued an order to unfreeze the account of the DFA after interrogation. Which means she has nothing to hide.

“As part of the ongoing investigation on the purchase of vehicles by the OYHA, it is true that EFCC had frozen the account of DFA of assembly but not the account of the house of assembly, speaker or any members.

“It is vital to note these points: The contractor was contracted to purchase 2019 Toyota Camry American spec for the lawmakers.

“All members have collected and are using their 2019 Toyota Camry American spec for the past 8 months. No official or on official complained from any members about his/her car.”