The Osun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, SAN, has declared that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has no legal authority to freeze the state’s statutory account.
Speaking to journalists in Osogbo on Wednesday, Jimi-Bada responded to reports that the anti-graft agency had restricted access to the state government’s statutory account held at First Bank. He stressed that while the state recognises the EFCC’s statutory mandate and that of other lawful institutions, the specific provisions cited by the commission do not grant it power to freeze or interfere with a state’s statutory account.
He pointed to Section 24 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and Section 38 of the EFCC Act 2004, arguing that neither empowers the agency to restrict funds meant for essential government functions. Those funds, he said, cover salaries, pensions, healthcare, education, security and other public services.
“Any restriction on such funds raises serious constitutional questions which, in our view, should be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction,” Jimi-Bada stated. He emphasised that the position was a legal one grounded in constitutional order and due process, not an attack on any individual, agency or political party.
The Attorney-General added that Osun State is not opposed to lawful investigations and remains committed to transparency, accountability and cooperation with relevant agencies. Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed him to approach the courts for a definitive interpretation of the issues.
Jimi-Bada urged the public and stakeholders to remain calm, saying the matter would be resolved through proper judicial processes.
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