No court order restriction on Osun account, state counsel confirms
Adekilekun, Osun State's legal advisor, states that no court order was served regarding First Bank and the state’s statutory allocation account. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, he explained the legal requirements were not met.
‘The law requires a court order to be issued and served before such an action can be taken,’ said Adekilekun. ‘You cannot just restrict access without a court ruling.’
About Legal Requirements for Account Restriction
Adekilekun further clarified that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must obtain proper authorization to place restrictions on state accounts, emphasizing the need for a court order as stipulated in relevant legislation.
Legal Challenges Moving Forward
The controversy has sparked attention from legal experts like Femi Falana who opined that while EFCC’s actions are within their power, they must comply with specific laws. President Tinubu also intervened, directing the EFCC to vacate the order.
Adekilekun stated, ‘It depends on what my client thinks, which is the Osun State Government. If they give us the go-ahead but I think and believe that it should be tried.’
Frequently Asked Questions
What legal action can the Osun government take?
The Osun State Government will likely pursue further court action to challenge the account restrictions if not resolved.
Is there any timeframe for this issue to be resolved?
President Tinubu’s intervention and subsequent order suggest urgency, but specifics of a resolution are yet unclear.
How does EFCC justify their actions?
The EFCC claims legal authority based on recent court judgments but must adhere strictly to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act for such restrictions to be valid.