The Centre for Public Accountability, Rule of Law and Transparency Initiative has urged political actors and other stakeholders to refrain from politicising the ongoing Economic and Financial Crimes Commission investigation involving the Osun State Government.
The organisation, led by Dr Raymond Ndukwe, made the call in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, while expressing support for the EFCC’s restriction of some accounts belonging to the state government.
The group said reports that there was a directive for the anti-graft agency to lift the restriction were concerning, particularly because the action had reportedly been secured through a court process.
Although it acknowledged concerns surrounding the timing of the restriction, the centre insisted that the EFCC must be allowed to carry out its statutory responsibilities independently and in accordance with the law.
“The timing may generate public concerns, but the EFCC’s statutory responsibilities should remain guided by law, evidence and due process,” the organisation stated.
According to the group, the restriction of government accounts in connection with EFCC investigations is not peculiar to Osun, noting that similar measures had previously affected Benue, Kogi and Edo states.
It argued that the 1999 Constitution and relevant EFCC legislation empower the commission to investigate suspected economic and financial crimes involving public funds and government assets.
The centre maintained that such powers should be exercised impartially, irrespective of the political standing or identity of individuals and institutions being investigated.
It also criticised the growing tendency to label anti-corruption investigations as political witch-hunts whenever prominent politicians or government institutions are involved.
The organisation warned that such claims could undermine confidence in anti-corruption institutions and make it more difficult for them to protect public resources from diversion, abuse and unlawful appropriation.
The group said the EFCC investigation into the Osun State Government reportedly started before the accounts were restricted. It said the probe followed intelligence concerning alleged withdrawals and transfers from government accounts to private companies.
According to the organisation, the transactions reportedly took place between August 3 and 4 and involved substantial amounts allegedly withdrawn from government accounts and transferred to other destinations.
It said the nature, timing and destinations of the transactions raised concerns over the possible dissipation of public funds, making temporary protective measures necessary while the investigation continues.
The centre stressed that political or electoral considerations should not obstruct legitimate investigations, particularly when there are concerns that public funds could be moved before the relevant authorities establish the facts.
It appealed to politicians, political parties, civil society organisations and members of the public to avoid actions or statements capable of weakening the independence of anti-corruption and security institutions.
The group further referred to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, which it said allows temporary restrictions to be placed on accounts suspected of being connected to unlawful transactions.
It specifically cited Section 7(6), which it said empowers the commission to issue a stop order lasting up to 72 hours when an account or transaction is considered suspicious.
The organisation added that Section 7(7) provides for the continuation of transactions after the expiration of the stop order unless the necessary court order has been obtained.
It also referenced Section 7(8), which, according to the group, gives the Federal High Court powers to order the continued restriction of funds, accounts or securities where their origin remains subject to investigation.
The centre said previous judicial pronouncements had recognised the EFCC’s authority to impose temporary restrictions, provided any further extension complies with court procedures and applicable laws.
It cited the Court of Appeal decision in EFCC v. A-G Benue State & Ors. (2022) LPELR-58696(CA) as an example of judicial backing for the commission’s power to temporarily freeze accounts suspected to be involved in financial crimes.
The organisation consequently reaffirmed its support for the EFCC’s constitutional and statutory responsibilities, urging all stakeholders to allow the commission to conduct its investigation without political pressure or undue interference.
(NAN)
Osun Account Restriction: Group Warns Against Politicising EFCC Probe
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