Osun: We can freeze accounts for 72 hours without court order — EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) defended its right to temporarily freeze an Osun State Government account without a court order. The EFCC's Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, clarified that the restriction was justified under specific provisions in the law. Uwujaren explained that the decision was made to preserve the account after noticing suspicious transfers of funds within a week.

He emphasized that the action targeted one account and did not freeze all the state's finances. The temporary restriction, which could last up to 72 hours, was necessary to prevent potential fraud, according to Uwujaren. He stated that the commission would lift the restriction once they confirm the activities are no longer suspicious.

Uwujaren assured that the state government would retain access to other accounts and continue functioning. The EFCC's actions followed an investigation into allegations of fraudulent handling of funds by the Osun State Government, which began in March 2026. The governor, Ademola Adeleke, had demanded justification for the freeze, which the governor's attorney argued lacked legal basis.