The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has stated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lacks the legal authority to unilaterally freeze the bank accounts of the Osun State Government without first obtaining a court order.
The position follows the EFCC’s directive to First Bank to place a Post No Debit (PND) restriction on the state’s statutory allocation account as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged mismanagement of ₦11 billion in ecological and intervention funds.
The anti graft agency said it began investigating the Osun State Government in March and claimed it observed large transfers from the account to several corporate entities from August 2, 2026.
Reacting to the development, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned the action, accusing federal agencies of undermining the rights of the state government and attempting to disrupt its operations.
Speaking on the matter, the outgoing NBA President, Afam Osigwe, described the EFCC’s action as unconstitutional, insisting that the commission must obtain a court order before freezing any government account.
According to Osigwe, while the EFCC has the power to investigate suspected financial crimes, it cannot issue a blanket directive that effectively cripples the operations of a state government.
He explained that if the commission believes an account is being used for fraudulent activities, the proper legal procedure is to present evidence before a competent court and obtain the necessary order.
Osigwe also urged First Bank not to comply with the directive, warning that acting without judicial authorisation could amount to an abuse of power and violate constitutional provisions.
The EFCC has maintained that the account restriction is part of its ongoing investigation into the alleged fraudulent handling of public funds by the Osun State Government.
