EFCC Defends Osun Account Restriction, Says Law Permits 72-Hour Freeze Without Court Order
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has defended its decision to place a temporary restriction on an Osun State Government bank account, maintaining that it is legally empowered to freeze an account for up to 72 hours without first obtaining a court order.
The clarification comes amid growing controversy over the commission’s restriction of one of the state’s accounts, a move challenged by the Osun State Government and criticised by legal stakeholders.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, said the commission acted after detecting what it described as suspicious financial transactions involving the account.
EFCC Cites Suspicious Transactions
According to Uwujaren, investigators observed unusual movements of funds over the past week, including multiple transfers from the account to several corporate entities.
He explained that the temporary restriction was intended solely to preserve the account while investigations continue.
“We noticed suspicious activities on the account and, in line with our statutory mandate, placed a restriction on it to prevent further transactions pending investigation,” he said.
Uwujaren stressed that the action affected only one account and should not be interpreted as a freeze on all Osun State Government accounts.
He added that the state government continues to have access to its other bank accounts and can carry on with its normal administrative and financial operations.
EFCC Explains Legal Basis
Responding to claims that the commission lacked the authority to act without judicial approval, Uwujaren cited provisions of the EFCC Act and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
According to him, Section 34 of the EFCC Act and Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 empower the commission to impose a temporary restriction on a bank account for investigative purposes.
He explained that the temporary restriction can remain in force for up to 72 hours, after which the commission would obtain a court order if it intends to extend the restriction.
‘Not a Blanket Freeze’
The EFCC maintained that its action was targeted and should not be viewed as an attempt to paralyse the operations of the Osun State Government.
Uwujaren noted that salary payments and other government obligations would not necessarily be affected because the state has access to other accounts.
He added that the restriction would be lifted once investigators are satisfied that transactions on the account are no longer considered suspicious.
Investigation Into Alleged N11 Billion Fund Management
The commission also disclosed that it has been investigating the Osun State Government since March 2026 over the alleged management of about ₦11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
According to the EFCC, several state officials, including the Accountant General, have already been questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.
Osun Government Rejects EFCC’s Action
The EFCC’s position follows objections from Governor Ademola Adeleke, who described the restriction as unlawful and demanded an explanation from EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede.
The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada (SAN), has also argued that while the anti-graft agency has powers to investigate government accounts, it must first obtain a court order before freezing them.
The Osun State Government has indicated its intention to challenge the commission’s action before the Federal High Court in Osogbo.
The dispute is expected to test the interpretation of the EFCC’s statutory powers and the limits of its authority to impose temporary account restrictions during ongoing investigations.
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