News
EFCC Acted Lawfully in Freezing Osun Account – Falana
EFCC Acted Lawfully in Freezing Osun Account – Falana
Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has declared that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) did not act illegally by restricting the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account. He cited landmark court judgments that affirm the anti-graft agency’s powers to investigate state finances, while also faulting President Bola Tinubu’s intervention on procedural grounds.
The controversy surrounding the EFCC’s decision to place a Post-No-Debit restriction on an Osun State Government account domiciled with First Bank has sparked intense debate across the country. The commission disclosed that the action was part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged fraudulent handling of approximately ₦11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds, and Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations . According to the EFCC, investigators detected what it described as “precipitate and unwarranted movement of funds” from the account to various corporate entities beginning on August 2, 2026, prompting the need for swift intervention to prevent further diversion of public resources . The commission clarified that the restriction applied to only one account and was not a blanket freeze on all state government finances, a distinction that has been largely overlooked in public discourse surrounding the matter . The EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, defended the action, stating that the commission derived its powers from Section 34 of the EFCC Act and Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 .
Falana made his declaration on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, wading into the controversy with a clear legal opinion that sought to clarify the legal basis for the EFCC’s action. The senior lawyer stated categorically that “as far as the law is concerned, the EFCC has not acted illegally” . He explained that under Nigerian law, the commission possesses the legal authority to freeze accounts belonging to the federal government, state governments, and local governments, provided it complies with the statutory requirement to obtain a court order within the prescribed period . According to Falana, the EFCC can impose a temporary restriction on an account for up to 72 hours without judicial authorisation, after which it must secure a court order to maintain the freeze . He maintained that the commission followed this legal framework in the Osun case, noting that the EFCC had indeed approached the Federal High Court, which “intervened based on information provided by the EFCC” . This judicial intervention, he argued, validated the EFCC’s actions under the existing legal framework, and the Osun State Government had appropriately challenged the legality and validity of the court order, rather than merely questioning the timing of the action .
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The legal history of the EFCC’s powers provides important context for understanding the current controversy, and Falana traced this history to demonstrate that the commission’s authority had been repeatedly affirmed by superior courts. He recalled that in 2019, the Federal High Court in Benue State had ruled that the commission lacked the authority to freeze the state government’s account and awarded N50 million in damages against the agency . However, he said the EFCC successfully appealed that decision, and in September 2022, the Court of Appeal overturned the lower court’s ruling, affirming the commission’s power to impose a Post-No-Debit restriction on a government account for up to 72 hours before obtaining a court order . “That remains the law in Nigeria today,” Falana said, emphasising that the Court of Appeal’s decision had not been overturned by any higher court and therefore remained binding on all lower courts and government agencies .
Beyond the Court of Appeal decision, Falana also referenced a 2024 Supreme Court judgment that further solidified the EFCC’s authority to investigate state finances. This judgment arose from a suit instituted by the Kogi State Government and joined by several other states, which challenged the authority of federal anti-corruption agencies to investigate state government finances . Falana stated that the apex court examined all relevant constitutional and statutory provisions and concluded that agencies including the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) have the power to probe accounts at the federal, state, and local government levels . He added that anyone dissatisfied with the existing legal framework should seek an amendment through the National Assembly rather than questioning the EFCC’s statutory mandate . “If Nigerians—those who are concerned—want the law changed, they can go to the National Assembly. But for now, as of today, EFCC has the power to freeze the account of any state and, in not more than 72 hours, has to go to court,” he said, making it clear that the legal question had been definitively settled .
The political dimension of the controversy emerged when President Bola Tinubu directed the EFCC to approach the court to vacate the order and discontinue the restriction, citing concerns about the timing so close to the August 15 Osun State governorship election . Tinubu stated that he was “deeply embarrassed” by the timing of the action, although he acknowledged the commission acted within its statutory powers by obtaining the court order . He said preserving public confidence in the integrity and credibility of the election informed his decision, a position that drew both support and criticism from various quarters . The President’s intervention raised questions about the appropriate limits of executive authority in relation to independent anti-corruption agencies, and whether such intervention could set a dangerous precedent for future investigations .
Falana, however, faulted President Tinubu’s intervention, arguing that the President ought to have respected the statutory independence of the EFCC and acted through the Attorney-General under Section 174 of the Constitution . He stated, “In intervening in the Osun State crisis, President Tinubu ought to have respected the independent status of the EFCC and the due process of law. As far as the law is concerned, the EFCC chairman is not at the beck and call of the President” . Falana noted that the Osun State Government had already taken legal steps to challenge the freezing order before Tinubu intervened, meaning the matter should have been resolved through the judicial process rather than through a direct presidential instruction to the anti-graft agency . He suggested that Tinubu could have directed the Attorney-General to take over the case under Section 174, with a view to withdrawing the case or not opposing the motion filed by the Osun State Government to vacate the ex parte order . Despite faulting the procedure, Falana appeared to welcome the eventual move towards restoring access to the state government’s funds, quoting William Shakespeare: “All is well that ends well” , indicating his pragmatic acceptance of the resolution while still criticising the process .
Looking beyond the immediate controversy, Falana also warned against establishing a precedent under which anti-corruption agencies would be expected to suspend investigations merely because an election is approaching . He argued that such an approach could provide governments with a window to move public funds without scrutiny during election periods, warning that “we must be very careful that we don’t give a dangerous impression that when elections are 10 days away, 20 days away, 30 days away, the anti-graft agencies must turn the other eye” . This warning reflects broader concerns about the integrity of electoral processes and the need for continued oversight of public finances, particularly during periods when governments may be tempted to use state resources for political purposes . Falana’s comments underscore the delicate balance between ensuring free and fair elections and maintaining robust anti-corruption enforcement, a balance that Nigerian authorities continue to navigate in practice .
EFCC Acted Lawfully in Freezing Osun Account – Falana
Health
Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases
Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases
Parents and caregivers are advised to seek early medical help and update childhood vaccinations as response teams expand outreach.
Health authorities in Adamawa State are responding to a diphtheria outbreak that has caused 20 deaths across 13 local government areas. Speaking on Wednesday, State Epidemiologist Jones Steven Kadabiyu confirmed that health workers have recorded 126 suspected cases throughout the state, with six patients currently receiving medical care in local hospitals.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial illness that spreads through airborne droplets from coughing or close personal contact. It mainly affects the throat and airway, causing sore throats, mild fevers, swollen neck glands, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
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Health officials emphasized that the biggest risk to patients has been waiting too long to visit a health center, as some families try informal remedies at home first before seeking professional medical attention.
The state government is working alongside health partners to track new cases, provide specialized antibiotics and treatments, and protect medical workers and family members.
Officials stressed that while diphtheria can affect people of any age, young children are the most vulnerable to serious complications. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to ensure their children are up to date on their routine vaccines and to visit the nearest clinic immediately if anyone develops throat swelling or breathing issues.
Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases
News
Blue Line Rail, Hospitals Get Boost as Lagos Approves ₦200bn Bond and Budget Reordering
Blue Line Rail, Hospitals Get Boost as Lagos Approves ₦200bn Bond and Budget Reordering
Following Governor Sanwo-Olu’s request, the state legislature approves expanded capital financing for the final months of the fiscal year.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has approved changes to the state’s 2026 spending plan to speed up work on key community infrastructure, including public transit lines, general hospitals, and flood prevention systems.
The decision came after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu requested a review of the budget to make sure government funds are directed where they are needed most during the rest of the year.
To support these priority projects, lawmakers agreed to raise the state’s infrastructure bond from ₦150 billion to ₦200 billion. Budget committee chairman Lukmon Olumoh explained that this financial adjustment will help contractors finish essential public facilities faster.
The revised funds will help extend the Blue Line train service between Mile 2 and Trade Fair Station, complete the new Massey Street Children’s Hospital, and finish the 280-bed General Hospital in Ojo.
The amended plan also sets aside funds for fixing potholes on neighborhood roads, clearing drainage channels to prevent flooding, and buying new service vehicles for sanitation and traffic teams.
Lawmakers emphasized that legislative committees will closely monitor how these funds are spent to ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within clear standards. Speaker Mudashiru Obasa confirmed that the approved bill has been sent to the governor to be officially signed into law.
Blue Line Rail, Hospitals Get Boost as Lagos Approves ₦200bn Bond and Budget Reordering
News
Keep Politics Out of My Office — Ogbomoso Grand Chief Imam Warns Politicians, Bloggers
Keep Politics Out of My Office — Ogbomoso Grand Chief Imam Warns Politicians, Bloggers
The Office of the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland has drawn a battle line against the alleged politicisation of the revered Islamic institution, warning politicians, bloggers and social media commentators to stop using the Imam’s name, image or perceived position to promote partisan interests.
The office, in a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, declared that the Grand Chief Imam was neither a political actor nor available to any politician, political party or interest group seeking endorsement, mobilisation or political leverage.
Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland Toliat Yunus Ayilara
The warning, signed by the Secretary of the Office of the Grand Chief Imam, Sulaimon Ogunleye, came amid what the office described as “recent attempts” by certain media organisations, internet bloggers, political actors and their associates to drag the revered office into partisan political activities.
The office said the Grand Chief Imam occupied a spiritual position above political affiliations and was a father to the entire community, irrespective of party, ideology or individual political preference.
It stressed that his primary responsibility was to provide spiritual guidance, counsel, prayers and moral leadership to the Ummah and society.
Consequently, the office declared that its position on partisan politics remained “uncompromisingly neutral.”
‘Nobody should drag Imam into politics’
In a stern message to politicians and their associates, the office warned against attributing political endorsements or directives to the Grand Chief Imam.
It maintained that while individual members of the community remained free to support whichever candidate they preferred, such personal choices must not be presented as the position of the Grand Chief Imam.
The office also urged citizens to approach the forthcoming elections as responsible voters by scrutinising candidates, interrogating their records and promises, demanding accountability and making their choices freely at the polls.
“Every citizen has the right to support and vote for the candidate of his or her choice; however, no individual or political interest has the right to attribute such political choices to the Grand Chief Imam or his Office,” it stated.
‘Stop using Imam’s image, statements for political purposes’
The office subsequently issued a direct cease-and-desist warning to media organisations, bloggers, political actors, social media commentators and other individuals.
They were warned against using the Grand Chief Imam’s name, image, statements or perceived position for political purposes.
The office also condemned the alleged publication and circulation of fabricated statements, photographs, videos and other materials capable of creating what it described as a false impression that the Imam or his office had endorsed a candidate or political party.
It further warned against exploiting the revered office for political influence, leverage or personal clout.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no political endorsement should be attributed to the Grand Chief Imam,” the statement declared.
Defamation: Imam’s office threatens fresh legal action
The office took the warning a step further, declaring that the latest statement should not be interpreted as a mere expression of displeasure.
According to the statement, the office had, a few weeks earlier, issued another warning over alleged defamatory publications by certain bloggers.
It claimed that following the earlier intervention, legal proceedings were instituted and several persons were currently facing prosecution before the courts.
Against that background, the office described Tuesday’s warning as a “final and unequivocal” notice.
It warned that anyone or any organisation that knowingly publishes, circulates or disseminates what the office considers false, defamatory or malicious material concerning the Grand Chief Imam or his office would face civil and criminal proceedings without further notice.
The office also vowed to identify and preserve evidence against alleged offenders, report them to relevant authorities and pursue prosecution, including individuals operating anonymously or through digital platforms.
‘Don’t turn Ogbomoso’s religious institutions into political battlegrounds’
The Grand Chief Imam also appealed for calm and unity among the people of Ogbomosoland as political activities intensify ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The office warned that political differences must not be allowed to tear the community apart or turn sacred institutions into instruments of partisan competition.
“The people are free to choose their leaders,” the statement declared.
However, it stressed that the Office of the Grand Chief Imam would remain above partisan politics.
The public was therefore urged to disregard any purported political endorsement, statement or directive attributed to the Grand Chief Imam unless officially issued by the appropriate office.
The office reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, responsible citizenship and the spiritual and social wellbeing of the people of Ogbomosoland, while praying for Allah’s continued guidance and ease in the affairs of the community.
Keep Politics Out of My Office — Ogbomoso Grand Chief Imam Warns Politicians, Bloggers
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