NBA Challenges EFCC's Authority to Freeze Osun Account

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has asserted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) does not possess the legal power to freeze the Osun State Government’s bank account without first obtaining a court order. The NBA's statement follows the EFCC's directive to First Bank Plc to impose a post-no-debit (PND) restriction on the state's statutory allocation account amid an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of N11 billion in ecological and intervention funds.

This directive, dated August 5, 2026, was signed by Adenike Babalola, Assistant Commander of the EFCC. Governor Ademola Adeleke criticized federal agencies for undermining state rights and claimed that Osun would resist actions disrupting its operations.

The EFCC defended its actions, stating the investigation began in March and highlighted significant transfers from the account. Outgoing NBA President Afam Osigwe emphasized that the EFCC must seek a court order for any account freeze, labeling the commission's directive as unconstitutional and an abuse of power.