The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has defended its decision to place a temporary restriction on an Osun State Government account, insisting that the law empowers the anti-graft agency to freeze a suspicious account for up to 72 hours without first obtaining a court order.

The commission said the restriction was imposed as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged fraudulent handling of about ₦11 billion in ecological, intervention funds. According to the EFCC, investigators detected suspicious transfers from the account to several corporate entities, prompting immediate action to prevent further movement of funds.

EFCC maintained that its action was backed by the provisions of the EFCC Act, the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, stressing that the temporary restriction falls within its statutory investigative powers. The commission argued that the measure was intended to safeguard public resources while investigations continue.

The agency also clarified that the restriction applies only to the affected account under investigation, not all accounts belonging to the Osun State Government. It dismissed allegations that the action was politically motivated, insisting that its operations are guided strictly by evidence, the law.

The account restriction has sparked legal debate, with some senior lawyers maintaining that while the EFCC may impose a temporary stop order without prior judicial approval, any restriction extending beyond 72 hours must be backed by a court order. Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has approached the court to challenge the commission's action.