The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its directive freezing the Osun State Government’s bank account, describing the action as unconstitutional and beyond the agency’s statutory powers
The anti-graft agency had instructed First Bank Plc to place a post-no-debit (PND) restriction on the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged fraudulent handling of N11 billion ecological and intervention funds.
The directive was contained in a letter dated August 5, 2026, and signed by Adenike Babalola, an Assistant Commander of the EFCC, on behalf of the Director of Investigation.
The move has sparked criticism from both the Osun State Government and the NBA, with concerns that the restriction could cripple government operations and disrupt the delivery of public services.
Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned the action, saying the state would not accept what he described as attempts by federal agencies to undermine the constitutional rights of subnational governments.
According to the governor, the account restriction is part of a series of what he termed sponsored attacks against his administration, including the alleged harassment of members of the Accord Party and efforts to frustrate the operations of local government councils in the state.
The EFCC, however, defended its decision, saying the restriction became necessary following an ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion and fraudulent management of N11 billion ecological and intervention funds.
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