SUNTV Global Channel | August 8, 2026
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has warned that more lives could be lost in Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election if those allegedly responsible for recent politically motivated killings are not arrested and prosecuted.
Falana made the remarks on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Friday night, where he expressed concern over what he described as the killing of at least 30 people in politically motivated violence across the state in recent weeks.
According to the senior lawyer, the reported killings have received less public attention than the ongoing controversy surrounding the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) freezing of an account linked to the Osun State Government.
Falana said the situation required urgent intervention from security agencies, warning that failure to bring those responsible to justice could embolden them to carry out further attacks on political opponents.
He also questioned whether anyone linked to the alleged killings had been arrested and prosecuted, urging authorities to identify and bring the perpetrators before the courts without delay.
The lawyer further commented on the EFCC’s decision to obtain a court order freezing an account associated with the Osun State Government over alleged suspicious financial transactions.
While acknowledging the EFCC’s statutory authority to investigate suspected corruption and prevent the diversion of public funds, Falana questioned whether the agency’s approach could disrupt the functioning of a state government.
He argued that investigators should instead trace the allegedly suspicious transfers, identify the beneficiaries and seek targeted orders against the accounts that received the funds.
Falana maintained that anti-corruption agencies should continue investigating suspected financial crimes even during an election period, stressing that the approach to such investigations should not undermine the effective operation of government.
He also addressed the constitutional powers of the Attorney-General of the Federation, saying the nation’s chief law officer has broad discretionary powers in criminal prosecution.
According to Falana, the President may advise the Attorney-General on matters of national importance but cannot simply compel him to discontinue or pursue a particular prosecution.
His comments come amid heightened political tension in Osun State as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the governorship election.
The ruling Accord Party, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) have continued to exchange accusations over alleged political violence, intimidation and the conduct of government institutions.
The controversy surrounding the EFCC’s action against the Osun State Government has further increased political tensions, with the state government and opposition figures questioning the timing of the investigation, while the EFCC maintains that its actions fall within its mandate to investigate suspected financial crimes.
Falana urged law enforcement agencies to give immediate attention to the reported killings and ensure that those responsible are identified, arrested and prosecuted before the election, warning that failure to act could worsen the security situation in the state.
