EFCC Defends Restriction on Osun Government Account, Cites Legal Backing

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has defended its decision to place a restriction on one of the Osun State Government’s accounts, insisting that the action is lawful and aimed at preserving public funds.

Speaking on Arise Television on Thursday, EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren said the commission noticed suspicious transactions involving transfers to several corporate entities within the past week.

He stressed that “it is just a targeted restriction on one account of the Osun State Government,” not a blanket freeze of the state’s finances.

Uwujaren said the EFCC acted under the powers granted by Section 34 of the EFCC Act and Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2022, adding that the temporary restriction can remain for up to 72 hours before a court order is sought if necessary.

He added that the restriction would be lifted once the commission is satisfied that the transactions are no longer suspicious, while noting that the state government still has access to its other accounts to carry out its activities.