The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that it is currently investigating 18 Nigerian states over allegations of mismanagement of public funds.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the ongoing investigations but declined to disclose the names of the affected states, saying doing so could compromise the integrity of the probes.
Uwujaren explained that the recent restriction placed on one of the Osun State Government's statutory accounts is part of the commission's broader anti-corruption efforts and not an isolated action. He noted that the EFCC had previously restricted an Edo State Government account before Governor Monday Okpebholo assumed office, claiming the intervention helped preserve significant public funds.
According to him, the commission's actions are guided strictly by the law and are not politically motivated or targeted at any particular state government.
He also clarified that only one statutory account in Osun State has been temporarily frozen, while the state government remains free to operate its other bank accounts. The EFCC has a 72-hour legal window to obtain a court order to either maintain or lift the restriction.
Uwujaren said the Osun investigation began in March, adding that several state officials have already been questioned as part of the ongoing probe.
He further cited Section 34 of the EFCC Act and Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2022 as the legal provisions empowering the commission to temporarily restrict accounts suspected of being involved in suspicious financial activities.
The disclosure is expected to increase public scrutiny of state finances across Nigeria, particularly following the controversy surrounding the freezing of Osun State's account. Opposition figures, the Osun State Government, and the Nigerian Bar Association have criticised the commission's action, while the EFCC insists it is acting within its legal mandate.
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