The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has defended its recent decision to place a temporary restriction on an Osun State Government bank account, asserting that the move is fully supported by the EFCC Act and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. Wilson Uwujaren, the commission’s spokesperson, addressed the controversy on Arise Television, dismissing arguments from the Osun State Government and the Nigerian Bar Association that a court mandate was necessary for such an intervention.
Uwujaren explained that the commission acted after identifying suspicious transactions involving transfers to multiple corporate entities within a single week. He emphasized that this was a targeted measure meant to preserve public funds rather than a blanket freeze on all state finances. The state government retains access to its other accounts, ensuring that essential operations and salary disbursements remain unaffected.
Regarding the legal framework, the spokesperson cited Section 34 of the EFCC Act and Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2022 as the basis for the commission’s authority. According to Uwujaren, the agency can maintain this restriction for up to 72 hours, after which it would be required to obtain a court order if an extension becomes necessary. The ongoing investigation involves allegations regarding the management of N11 billion in various government funds, a probe that has already included questioning of the state’s Accountant General.
