The Osun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Oluwole Jimi-Bada, SAN, has declared that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission lacks the legal authority to freeze the state’s statutory account.
Jimi-Bada made the assertion on Wednesday while addressing journalists in Osogbo, following reports that the anti-graft agency had frozen the state government’s statutory account domiciled with First Bank.
The Attorney-General said the state government recognises the mandate of the EFCC but argued that the provisions of the laws cited by the commission do not empower it to restrict access to a state’s statutory account. He cited Sections 24 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and 38 of the EFCC Act, 2004, as not conferring such powers on the commission.
“Funds in the statutory account are meant for essential government obligations, including payment of salaries, pensions, healthcare, education, security and other public services. Any restriction on such funds raises serious constitutional questions,” Jimi-Bada said.
He disclosed that Governor Ademola Adeleke had directed him to approach the court for a proper interpretation and determination of the legal issues surrounding the EFCC’s action.