EFCC probes 18 Nigerian states

The Nigeria — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed that it is conducting investigations into alleged mismanagement of public funds in about 18 Nigerian states. The disclosure was made by the commission's Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday. Uwujaren declined to name the states under investigation, citing the need to protect the integrity of the probes. He confirmed that the recent temporary restriction of a statutory account belonging to Nigeria — Osun State is part of a broader crackdown. The EFCC has previously restricted an account of Nigeria — Edo State, reportedly preserving $12 billion for the incoming administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo. The commission cites Section 34 of the EFCC Act and Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2022 as legal authority for such restrictions, which must be backed by a court order within 72 hours. The Nigeria — Osun State Government has criticized the restriction and plans to challenge it in court, a move the EFCC says it will respond to legally. The Canadian Medical Association has also condemned the action. The investigation into Osun began in March and has involved questioning of state officials.