In a recent appearance on Arise Television, EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren dismissed assertions from the Osun State Government and the Nigerian Bar Association that a court order was necessary prior to imposing such a restriction. He stated that the action was taken in response to what the commission identified as suspicious transactions within the past week, aimed at preserving the account.

The restriction specifically pertained to one account, rather than freezing all accounts associated with the Osun State Government. Uwujaren elaborated that the commission had detected multiple transfers to several corporate entities over a short time frame, which raised alarms. He underscored the agency’s duty to act, suggesting that inaction would have attracted public scrutiny had funds been illicitly transferred.

Despite the account restriction, he assured that the Osun State Government retains access to other accounts for ongoing operations, including salary payments, indicating that government functions would not be adversely affected. He clarified that the action taken was not an all-encompassing freeze but a targeted measure that could be lifted once the commission is satisfied that the account activity is no longer suspicious.

Regarding legal authority, Uwujaren referenced specific provisions, notably Section 34 of the EFCC Act and Section 7, Subsection 6 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2022, which empower the commission to impose such temporary restrictions. He noted that the restriction could last for up to 72 hours before a court order would be required for further action. The EFCC has been actively investigating the Osun State Government since March 2026 for alleged fraudulent management involving approximately N11bn linked to Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds, and allocations from the Federation Account. Several officials, including the Accountant General, have reportedly been questioned during the investigation.