The Centre for Public Accountability, Rule of Law and Transparency Initiative has expressed support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its reported restriction of an account belonging to the Osun State Government.
The organisation, led by Dr. Raymond Chukwuebuka Ndukwe, also criticised the reported directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu asking the anti-graft agency to lift the court order linked to the restriction.
In a statement issued on the matter, the group said the EFCC should be allowed to carry out its statutory responsibilities without political interference, including concerns over the timing of investigations.
The organisation noted that while the President reportedly acknowledged the EFCC’s authority to act pursuant to a court order, concerns about the timing of the action should not, in its view, prevent the commission from performing its lawful duties.
Group Defends EFCC’s Investigative Powers
The Centre argued that the EFCC’s mandate to investigate and prevent economic and financial crimes should not be influenced by political considerations.
It said the Osun case was not the first instance in which the EFCC had restricted accounts associated with a state government.
According to the group, previous cases included Benue State in 2018, Kogi State during the second tenure of former Governor Yahaya Bello, and Edo State in 2025.
The organisation maintained that Nigerian law empowers the EFCC to investigate suspected financial crimes and take lawful measures to preserve funds that may be connected to alleged offences.
It, however, stressed that such powers must be exercised in accordance with due process and applicable court orders.
Group Raises Questions Over Alleged Osun Transactions
The Centre claimed that information available to it indicated that the EFCC had commenced investigations into issues involving the Osun State Government before the reported account restriction.
It further alleged that substantial withdrawals were made from state government accounts between August 3 and 4, 2026, including significant transfers reportedly made to private companies.
The organisation said the alleged transactions raised concerns about the possible dissipation of public funds and that the account restriction could therefore have been intended as a preservative measure pending the outcome of investigations.
However, the allegations have not been established by a court. Individuals, companies or other entities affected by the claims remain entitled to due process and an opportunity to respond.
Group Cites Money Laundering Law
The Centre also referred to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, particularly Section 7, which it said provides mechanisms for temporarily stopping transactions or restricting accounts suspected of being connected to unlawful activities.
It cited Section 7(6), which it said provides for a stop order of up to 72 hours, as well as Section 7(8), which provides for an application to the Federal High Court for an order blocking funds, accounts or securities in specified circumstances.
The organisation also cited judicial decisions, including EFCC v. A-G Benue State & Ors (2022) LPELR-58696(CA), which it said affirmed the commission’s power to impose a temporary stop order on an account suspected of involvement in financial crime.
It further referenced NPG Properties & Construction Works Ltd v. Zenith Bank Plc (2023) 15 NWLR (Pt. 1908) 423, which it said recognised the EFCC’s authority to impose a temporary stop order under applicable money-laundering legislation.
‘Public Funds Must Be Protected’
The organisation argued that the EFCC should not be prevented from performing its statutory functions because of the approaching governorship election in Osun State.
It urged politicians, political parties, civil society organisations and members of the public to avoid politicising the activities of anti-corruption and security agencies.
“The defence of public funds is not a partisan project; it is a constitutional imperative,” the organisation said.
The Centre called on relevant authorities to allow the EFCC to conduct its investigations without intimidation or undue interference, while ensuring that all actions taken by the commission remain subject to the rule of law and due process.
It reiterated its support for the EFCC and urged the commission to continue exercising its statutory responsibilities within the framework of Nigerian law.
Signed:
Dr. Raymond Chukwuebuka Ndukwe
Centre for Public Accountability, Rule of Law and Transparency Initiative
