The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has faulted the decision of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, declaring that the anti-graft agency lacks the constitutional authority to take such unilateral action.

The NBA warned that the post-no-debit (PND) directive issued by the EFCC could cripple the operations of the Osun State Government if allowed to stand.

The EFCC had earlier instructed First Bank of Nigeria not to permit any withdrawals from the state’s statutory allocation account, citing an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct. The directive was contained in a letter dated August 5, 2026, and signed by Adenike Babalola, an Assistant Commander of the EFCC, on behalf of the agency’s Director of Investigation.

Reacting to the development, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, condemned the move, insisting that his administration would not tolerate actions by federal agencies that undermine the autonomy and rights of subnational governments.

Adeleke further alleged that the state had been subjected to a series of politically motivated attacks, including harassment of members of the Accord Party and attempts to disrupt the operations of local government areas.

However, the EFCC defended its action, stating that the accounts were frozen over the alleged fraudulent handling of N11 billion ecological and intervention funds. According to the agency, investigations into the matter began in March, and recent findings revealed significant transfers from the account into various corporate entities since August 2.

Speaking in an interview with The Punch, the outgoing NBA President, Afam Osigwe, described the EFCC’s action as unconstitutional and an abuse of power. 

He argued that the commission should have obtained a court order before placing any restrictions on the state’s accounts.

“No government agency or individual has the power to restrict withdrawals from a state government’s account, as such action effectively grounds the operations of that government,” Osigwe said.

“If the EFCC suspects that an account is being used for fraudulent purposes, it should approach the court for a proper order. It cannot issue a blanket directive freezing the accounts of a state.”

Osigwe emphasized that due process must be followed in all cases, noting that any attempt to bypass legal procedures undermines the rule of law.

He also urged the bank involved not to comply with the EFCC’s directive, stressing that adherence to such an order without judicial backing could set a dangerous precedent.

The controversy continues to raise concerns over the balance of power between federal agencies and state governments, as well as the need to uphold constitutional provisions in the fight against corruption.