Legal Dispute Over EFCC's Freeze of Osun Accounts

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has faced criticism over its decision to freeze the bank accounts of Osun State. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Francis Amobi Nzelu, condemned the action as unlawful and politically motivated, particularly since a court order was still in effect.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu reportedly directed the unfreezing of the accounts, suggesting the Presidency was not involved in the EFCC's actions. Nzelu questioned the rationale behind freezing accounts responsible for paying workers' salaries.

Conversely, Dr Yemi Omodele acknowledged public concerns but argued that the EFCC likely presented sufficient evidence for the court order. He emphasized that the timing of the freeze during an election period raised legitimate public concerns.

In response, Governor Ademola Adeleke has filed a N2 billion lawsuit against the EFCC, claiming the freezing of the state’s Federal Statutory Allocation Account was unlawful. The suit is marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1762/2026 and includes the Attorney General and Accountant General of Osun State.