EFCC Lacks Power to Freeze Osun Statutory Account, Says Attorney-General

Osun State's Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwole Jimi-Bada, has asserted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) does not possess the legal power to freeze the state's statutory account. Jimi-Bada made this declaration while addressing journalists in Osogbo, responding to recent reports of the EFCC freezing the state government's statutory funds.

The Commissioner for Justice explicitly stated that the EFCC's actions exceed its legal mandate. He emphasized that such a move by the anti-graft agency is outside its purview, suggesting a misunderstanding or overreach of its authority concerning state financial matters. The statement was made on Wednesday, following the controversial freezing of the account.

This legal challenge by the Osun State Attorney-General highlights a potential conflict between state financial autonomy and the powers of federal agencies like the EFCC. The assertion questions the basis of the EFCC's action and underscores the importance of adhering to established legal frameworks when dealing with state government finances.

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The Osun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Oluwole Jimi-Bada, SAN, has said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lacks the legal authority to freeze the state’s statutory account.