A FEDERAL High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four bank accounts linked to former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kolo Kyari, over allegations of fraud, conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.
News Point Nigeria reports that Justice Emeka Nwite issued the ruling on Tuesday while delivering judgment in an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1641, was argued by EFCC counsel, Ogechi Ujam.
Although the EFCC requested a 60-day freezing order to enable investigators to complete their probe, Justice Nwite granted a 30-day freeze on the accounts, with the option of renewal should investigators require more time.
“I have listened to counsel to the applicant and reviewed the affidavit evidence with the attached exhibits and written address. I find that this application is meritorious and it is hereby granted as prayed,” Justice Nwite ruled.
The case was adjourned until September 23, 2025, for the EFCC to present an update on its findings.
The affected accounts, domiciled at Jaiz Bank, include:
Account No. 0017922724 – in the name of Mele Kyari
Account No. 0018575055 – in the name of Guwori Community Development
Account No. 0018575141 – in the name of Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief
Investigators alleged that the accounts were operated and controlled by Kyari through proxies, including family members, and were used as conduits for suspicious inflows linked to NNPC transactions and oil companies.
In its supporting affidavit, the EFCC explained that its Special Investigations Section (SIS) opened the probe after receiving a petition dated April 24 from a civil society group, Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law.
Preliminary findings allegedly showed that a total of ₦661,464,601.50, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity, was traced to the accounts.
According to the EFCC, the inflows were often disguised as funding for “a book launch” and as support for the activities of a non-governmental organisation (NGO), in a bid to conceal the true source of the funds.
The anti-graft agency argued that freezing the accounts was necessary to prevent dissipation of the funds before the conclusion of its investigation.
“The bank accounts are subject to ongoing investigation into allegations of misappropriation of funds and criminal breach of trust. An order of this honourable court is necessary to freeze the said accounts pending the outcome of our probe,” EFCC counsel Ujam told the court.
The commission said it had already written to Jaiz Bank requesting detailed records of the accounts, while also placing a temporary 72-hour ‘no debit’ restriction before approaching the court for a formal order.
The freeze order remains in place for 30 days, subject to renewal if the EFCC convinces the court that more time is needed. If sufficient evidence is established, the matter could escalate into a full criminal prosecution.
Neither Kyari nor his representatives have publicly responded to the development as of press time.