The Centre for Public Accountability, Rule of Law and Transparency Initiative has backed the EFCC restriction on Osun State government accounts.

The group, led by Dr Raymond Ndukwe, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, expressed concern over the reported directive requesting EFCC to lift the restriction secured through court.

Acknowledging concerns about the timing of the restriction, the group, however, said that anti-corruption agencies should be allowed to discharge their lawful responsibilities independently, without political considerations.

“The timing may generate public concerns, but the EFCC’s statutory responsibilities should remain guided by law, evidence and due process,” it said.

According to the centre, available records show that the EFCC restrictions previously affected Benue, Kogi and Edo states, making Osun State the latest reported case not unprecedented nationally.

It said that the 1999 Constitution and EFCC laws empowered the commission to investigate and combat economic and financial crimes involving public funds and assets.

“This mandate should be exercised without fear or favour, regardless of the identity or status of persons and institutions under investigation,” it stated.

The organisation condemned what it called persistent politicisation of anti-corruption operations, saying that investigations were frequently described as political witch-hunts whenever they involved prominent political actors or institutions.

“Such narratives can weaken public confidence and frustrate agencies whose primary responsibility is protecting public resources from abuse, diversion and unlawful appropriation,” it said.

The group noted that EFCC investigations involving Osun State government began before the account restriction, following intelligence concerning withdrawals and transfers to private companies, reportedly.

It said the reported transactions occurred between August 3 and 4, with substantial sums allegedly withdrawn from government accounts and transferred elsewhere.

The centre said the alleged volume, timing and destinations of the transactions raised concerns about possible dissipation of public funds, requiring protective measures during investigations underway.

It maintained that electoral considerations should not prevent lawful investigations, particularly where public resources could be dissipated before relevant authorities determined the underlying issues.

The centre urged politicians, political parties, civil society organisations and Nigerians to avoid politicising security and anti-corruption agencies, warning against weakening public institutions and accountability.

It also cited the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, which provides temporary restrictions on accounts suspected to be involved in unlawful transactions in law.

The group specifically quoted section 7(6) as permitting the commission to issue a stop order for up to 72 hours where an account or transaction raised suspicion.

Section 7(7), according to the group, also provides that transactions may resume after the stop notice expired unless the required court order has been received.

It added that Section 7(8) empowered the Federal High Court to order continued blocking of funds, accounts or securities where their origin remained ascertained.

The group said judicial decisions affirmed the EFCC’s authority to impose temporary restrictions, provided subsequent extensions followed appropriate court processes and applicable legal requirements.

It cited EFCC v. A-G Benue State & Ors. (2022) LPELR-58696(CA), where the Court of Appeal affirmed the commission’s power to freeze any suspected account temporarily.

The centre, therefore, reiterated its full support for the EFCC’s discharge of its constitutional and statutory duties and called on all stakeholders to allow the commission to perform its functions without politicisation or undue interference.

(NAN)