EFCC Frees Adeleke’s Chief of Staff After Bail, Probe Into Osun Finances Deepens

EFCC Frees Adeleke’s Chief of Staff After Bail, Probe Into Osun Finances Deepens

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Fresh details have emerged surrounding the release of Kazeem Akinleye, Chief of Staff to Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Osun State governor, after he reportedly met the administrative bail conditions set by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the governor’s aide regained his freedom after days of interrogation by EFCC operatives over allegations linked to financial transactions and administrative dealings within the Osun State Government.

Akinleye was said to have returned to his hometown of Ede shortly after his release on Tuesday, amid growing political tension and speculation surrounding the anti-graft agency’s ongoing investigation.

Although the EFCC has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, insiders revealed that the Chief of Staff was questioned extensively over alleged financial irregularities tied to the current administration in Osun State.

According to the sources, the governor’s aide allegedly provided investigators with significant information during the course of the interrogation.

The sources claimed that Akinleye “made useful disclosures to EFCC investigators regarding alleged corruption and financial irregularities within the present administration in Osun State during his interrogation.”

It was also gathered that the EFCC may invite him again as the investigation progresses.

The sources further revealed that Alhaji Akinleye has undertaken to cooperate fully with the EFCC and is expected to return on a later date for further questioning as investigations continue.

The development comes against the backdrop of heightened political rivalry in Osun State since Adeleke assumed office in November 2022.

Since then, the Adeleke administration has repeatedly faced accusations from opposition figures over governance and financial management, allegations government officials have consistently denied.

In recent months, political tensions in the state have intensified amid claims and counterclaims between the then state ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the opposition All Progressives Congress, with several petitions reportedly submitted to anti-corruption agencies over contracts, appointments, and state finances.

The latest EFCC development is therefore expected to further fuel political debate in the state as investigations continue.