Court
The Osun State Government has commenced legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, following the freezing of its bank accounts.
The Osun State Government also described the EFCC move as unlawful and capable of disrupting government operations.
The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, announced on Wednesday that Governor Ademola Adeleke had directed him to institute proceedings before the Federal High Court to challenge the anti-graft agency’s action.
-Bada disclosed that “the state government received information that the EFCC had issued a “Post No Debit” directive to First Bank, where several government accounts are maintained, effectively restricting transactions on the accounts”.
He maintained that “although the EFCC possesses the authority to investigate financial transactions, it does not have the power to freeze a state government’s accounts without first obtaining a court order.
“l have the mandate of the governor to proceed to the Federal High Court to challenge this move. EFCC can investigate the accounts but it can’t freeze the accounts without order of court,” he stressed.
According to the Attorney General, the restriction on the accounts could significantly affect the day-to-day administration of government and the delivery of public services across the state.
“This step will affect government running but we will challenge the move and ensure that the agency acts within the ambit of the law.”
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