The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for directing First Bank to freeze the Osun State Government’s bank account, saying the action is unconstitutional and beyond the agency’s legal powers.

The EFCC had instructed First Bank Plc to place a post no debit (PND) restriction on the state’s statutory allocation account as part of its investigation into the alleged mismanagement of N11 billion meant for ecological and intervention projects.

The directive was contained in a letter dated August 5, 2026, and signed by EFCC Assistant Commander Adenike Babalola on behalf of the agency’s Director of Investigation.

The decision has drawn criticism from both the Osun State Government and the NBA, with concerns that freezing the account could affect government activities and delay the delivery of public services.

Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned the move, describing it as an attempt by federal agencies to interfere with the constitutional rights of the state government.

He also alleged that his administration had been facing several coordinated attacks, including the harassment of members of the Accord Party and attempts to disrupt the activities of local government councils in the state.

The EFCC defended its action, saying the restriction became necessary because of its ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of N11 billion in ecological and intervention funds.

According to the commission, the investigation began in March. It claimed that while the probe was ongoing, it noticed large transfers from the state’s account to several corporate organisations starting from August 2.

Speaking in an interview with The Punch, outgoing NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) said the EFCC does not have the legal authority to freeze a state government’s bank account without first obtaining a court order.

He explained that although the anti graft agency has the power to investigate financial crimes, it cannot freeze any account on its own.

Osigwe warned that blocking a state’s account could bring government activities to a halt and would amount to an abuse of power.

He said that if the EFCC believes an account is being used for fraudulent activities, it should approach the court for approval before taking any action.

He also urged First Bank not to obey the EFCC’s directive unless it is backed by a valid court order, insisting that any restriction on a government account must follow due legal process.