SUNTV Global Channel | August 8, 2026
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has raised the alarm over the alleged killing of at least 30 people in politically motivated violence in Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
Falana, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Friday night, described the reported killings as a more urgent concern than the ongoing controversy surrounding the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) freezing of an account linked to the Osun State Government.
According to the legal practitioner, public attention has largely focused on the legal battle over the EFCC’s action, while the alleged escalation of political violence in the state has received less attention.
Falana said at least 30 people had reportedly been killed in politically motivated incidents in the state in recent weeks and questioned whether anyone had been arrested and prosecuted over the deaths.
He warned that failure by security agencies to swiftly arrest and prosecute those responsible could encourage further attacks before and during the election.
Falana urged law enforcement authorities to act immediately, warning that perpetrators who are not brought to justice could remain at large and potentially target more political opponents.
His comments come amid heightened political tension in Osun State, where the ruling Accord Party, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) have continued to trade accusations over alleged violence, intimidation and the use of state institutions.
The lawyer also addressed the controversy surrounding the EFCC’s decision to obtain a court order freezing an account linked to the Osun State Government as part of an investigation into alleged suspicious financial transactions.
While acknowledging the EFCC’s legal authority to investigate suspected financial crimes and prevent the diversion of public funds, Falana questioned whether such powers should be exercised in a manner that could disrupt the operations of a state government.
He argued that rather than freezing an account used for government operations, investigators should trace the allegedly suspicious transactions, identify the beneficiaries and seek targeted orders against the accounts that received the funds.
Falana, however, cautioned against attempts to stop anti-corruption agencies from investigating or prosecuting suspected financial crimes simply because an election is approaching.
He questioned when agencies such as the EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the police should suspend investigations and arrests during an election period.
The senior lawyer also spoke about the constitutional powers of the Attorney-General of the Federation, maintaining that the nation’s chief law officer has broad discretion over criminal prosecutions.
According to Falana, although the President cannot compel the Attorney-General to discontinue or pursue a particular prosecution, the President can advise the Attorney-General to review matters considered to be of national importance.
The latest warning comes as political activities intensify across Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Falana maintained that while the legal and political controversies surrounding the state remain important, the reported killings should not be overlooked, urging security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible before the situation deteriorates further.
