By Precious Mark
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has placed a targeted restriction on an account belonging to the Osun State Government after observing suspicious transactions beginning on August 2, 2026.
The Director of Public Affairs for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed this during an interview on Arise News on Thursday.
He explained that the action was taken to preserve the funds and was not a blanket freeze on the state’s finances.
“We observed over the past week, especially beginning August 2nd, that activities on that account looked suspicious. As indicated in the statement released by the commission, we took that step to preserve the account of the Osun State Government,” he said.
Uwujaren noted that the commission flagged multiple fund transfers to various entities within a short timeframe.
“The essence is simply to preserve that account because we observed suspicious activities regarding the transfer of funds to a number of entities within one week. Therefore, we had to take the decision to place a restriction on it,” he explained.
He emphasized that the restriction is strictly targeted.
“That restriction order does not mean all accounts belonging to Osun State have been frozen. No, it is just a targeted restriction on one Osun State Government account,” he said.
Uwujaren assured that the intervention would not disrupt governance in the state, as other accounts remain accessible for salaries and operational expenses.
“It does not stop Osun State from running its government because they still have access to funds in their other accounts. The payment of salaries and other state expenditures typically occurs once a month, and what we have done is not a blanket freeze, but a targeted restriction,” he noted.
He added that the EFCC was obligated to act despite the ongoing election process in the state.
“Regardless of the fact that an election process is underway, we have a responsibility under the law to act. If we fail to take preventive steps and funds are looted, Nigerians will naturally ask where the EFCC was when those funds were being moved. So, we had to issue a preventive order,” he said.
The EFCC spokesperson pointed out that Osun is not the first state to experience such measures, citing similar action taken during the Edo State election period prior to Governor Monday Okpebholo assuming office.
“During the Edo State election before Governor Okpebholo took over, the EFCC restricted the state government’s account when funds were being moved into suspicious accounts, allowing us to preserve ₦12 billion,” he recalled.
Regarding the duration of the restriction, Uwujaren stated that it would be lifted once the commission completes its assessment.
“Once we are satisfied that activities on the account are no longer suspicious, the restriction will be lifted.”
“A temporary restriction order can last up to 72 hours before we obtain a court order, should one be required,” he said.
Addressing queries regarding the legal backing for the action, Uwujaren affirmed the commission’s statutory powers.
“A number of people have asked whether the commission has the legal authority to take such steps. I can assure you that we do have the power to place temporary restrictions on accounts. Section 34 of the EFCC Act and Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act grant us the authority to act,” he concluded.