Court Freezes N661m Linked to Ex-NNPCL Boss Mele Kyari Over Alleged Fraud

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four bank accounts linked to former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over alleged fraud involving more than N661 million.

Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order on Tuesday after listening to an ex parte motion brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The anti-graft agency, through its counsel Ogechi Ujam, argued that the funds in the accounts were subject to an ongoing investigation into conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.

Although the EFCC had sought a 60-day order, Justice Nwite ruled that the freeze would last 30 days in the first instance, subject to renewal if necessary. He said the application was meritorious and fixed September 23 for the EFCC to provide an update on its investigation.

The affected accounts in Jaiz Bank include two accounts in the name of Mele Kyari, as well as accounts belonging to Guwori Community Development Fund and Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief. Court documents revealed that the total amount under investigation stands at N661,464,601.50, which the EFCC suspects to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

According to the EFCC, its Special Investigations Section received a petition in April from a group known as the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law, prompting a probe into Kyari’s financial dealings. Investigators claimed the accounts received suspicious inflows from the NNPC and oil companies associated with the state-owned corporation. The commission alleged that Kyari used family members as fronts to manage the accounts.

The EFCC said the preservation of the funds was necessary to prevent further dissipation pending the conclusion of investigations and potential prosecution.