Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has filed a ₦2 billion suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the freezing of the state’s Federal Statutory Allocation Account, describing the action as unconstitutional and unlawful.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1762/2026, was filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja by a team of lawyers led by Prof. M. T. Adekilekun (SAN). Also listed as plaintiffs are the Attorney General of Osun State and the state’s Accountant General.
Joined as defendants are the EFCC, its Chairman and First Bank of Nigeria Limited.
In the originating summons, the plaintiffs asked the court to determine whether the EFCC has the legal authority under the 1999 Constitution, the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, to freeze or place a “Post No Debit” restriction on the state’s statutory allocation account without first obtaining a valid court order.
The suit specifically challenges the EFCC’s directive dated August 5, 2026, which instructed First Bank to restrict operations on Osun State’s statutory allocation account.
According to the plaintiffs, the commission’s action amounted to executive lawlessness, abuse of statutory powers and a violation of due process, arguing that it threatens the constitutional and financial autonomy of Osun State.
They further contended that the restriction could cripple the government’s ability to discharge its constitutional responsibilities and deliver essential services to residents.
The plaintiffs also questioned the legality of First Bank’s compliance with the EFCC’s directive without a subsisting order from a court of competent jurisdiction, alleging that the bank breached its duty of care to the state government.
Among the reliefs sought, Adeleke is asking the court to declare the EFCC’s directive null and void, set aside the restriction placed on the account, and award ₦2 billion in damages for the alleged unlawful interference with the state’s finances.
The legal action comes a day after the EFCC froze the account, a move the Osun State Government has alleged was politically motivated and capable of disrupting governance ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The EFCC had yet to issue an official response to the lawsuit as of the time of filing this report.
