SUNTV Global Channel | August 9, 2026
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive ordering the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to lift the freeze placed on Osun State Government accounts.
Adeyanju described the presidential intervention as unconstitutional, arguing that the President does not have the authority to direct the EFCC or a court to reverse a subsisting judicial order.
Speaking on the Mic On Podcast, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, Adeyanju said the EFCC had the legal powers to seek the freezing of accounts belonging to federal, state and local governments under relevant anti-money laundering laws.
He, however, questioned the timing of the action against Osun State, noting that it came only days before the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15.
According to him, although the EFCC had obtained an ex parte court order before freezing the accounts, the timing created suspicions of possible political interference.
Adeyanju said the controversy should be separated from the legal authority of the EFCC, insisting that the commission’s powers to freeze accounts should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of wrongdoing.
His strongest criticism, however, was directed at the President’s subsequent order for the account restrictions to be lifted.
Adeyanju argued that a subsisting court order should only be set aside through the judicial process and not through an executive directive.
He warned that allowing presidents to directly reverse the actions of supposedly independent institutions could create a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
According to the lawyer, such intervention could further fuel public concerns that institutions such as the EFCC operate at the direction of the Presidency rather than independently.
Adeyanju also criticised the EFCC for not publicly disclosing the specific financial transactions that allegedly led to the freezing order.
He said greater transparency from the anti-graft agency would have helped Nigerians understand the reasons behind its decision to approach the court.
The lawyer further defended the use of an ex parte order, arguing that notifying the affected government before freezing the accounts could have allowed funds to be moved and potentially defeated the purpose of the investigation.
Turning to the August 15 Osun governorship election, Adeyanju predicted that vote-buying would be a major feature of the contest.
He nevertheless maintained that Governor Ademola Adeleke would remain the favourite if the election is conducted without rigging or political interference.
Adeyanju stressed that the independence of institutions such as the EFCC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary must be protected to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that the views and allegations contained in this report are those of Deji Adeyanju and do not necessarily represent the position of SUNTV Global Channel.
