The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its decision to freeze the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account, describing the action as unconstitutional without a valid court order.
The EFCC directed First Bank to place a “Post No Debit” restriction on the account as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged mismanagement of about ₦11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and FAAC allocations. The commission said the action followed suspicious movement of funds and maintained that the investigation was not politically motivated despite the August 15 governorship election.
NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) argued that the anti-graft agency lacks the constitutional power to impose a blanket restriction on a state’s finances without judicial approval, warning that such a move could cripple governance and amount to an abuse of power.
Several Senior Advocates of Nigeria also questioned the legality of the restriction, insisting that any account freeze beyond the statutory period must be backed by a court order. While some legal experts defended the EFCC’s preventive powers under existing laws, they stressed that such powers must be exercised strictly within the law and not for political purposes.
Meanwhile, opposition parties, including the ADC, LP, SDP, NDC and YPP, condemned the action, alleging it was aimed at weakening the Osun State Government ahead of the governorship election. The ruling APC, however, backed the EFCC, insisting the commission should be allowed to carry out its statutory responsibilities without interference.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the state’s Attorney General to challenge the account freeze in court, maintaining that the EFCC cannot lawfully freeze government accounts without obtaining a court order first.
