Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, shared this information during an interview on Arise Television but refrained from naming the specific states involved. He addressed the EFCC’s recent actions regarding the Osun State Government’s financial account, confirming it was part of broader strategies targeting multiple state governments.

In defense of the commission’s decision, Uwujaren emphasized the importance of protecting ongoing investigations, stating they do not aim to assist any government in avoiding scrutiny. He provided context by mentioning past restrictions, including actions taken against the Edo State Government prior to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, where the EFCC successfully preserved $12 billion in state resources.

Uwujaren clarified that the Osun State intervention was not unique and that the commission operates within legal frameworks that apply to all accounts, not solely those of state governments. He articulated that the EFCC had identified suspicious financial activities justifying their actions, contrasting this with their non-intervention during the Ekiti State elections due to differing circumstances and available intelligence.

The current restriction affects only one statutory account, allowing the Osun State Government to continue using its other financial accounts. Uwujaren noted a 72-hour period for the EFCC to obtain a court order to maintain or lift the restriction, further responding to the state’s potential legal actions by affirming their right to pursue such measures.

The ongoing investigations began in March, involving interviews with several state officials, indicating that the scrutiny of state government finances, especially concerning the recent activities in Osun State, is part of a larger pattern of oversight by the EFCC, which has drawn criticism from both the Osun State Government and legal bodies like the Nigerian Bar Association.