The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over allegations of fraud involving more than ₦661 million.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Tuesday following an ex parte application brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The motion, filed on 11 August and argued by EFCC counsel Ogechi Ujam, sought to preserve the funds while investigations into alleged conspiracy, abuse of office, money laundering, and misappropriation of funds continue.
Although the EFCC requested a 60-day freezing order, Justice Nwite limited the initial freeze to 30 days, noting that it could be renewed if necessary. He adjourned the matter until 23 September for the commission to report on further developments.
The EFCC’s investigation followed a petition submitted on 24 April 2025 by a civil society group, the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law. The petition accused Kyari of misusing his position as NNPCL head to divert public funds through a network of accounts managed in his name and that of an NGO.
Acting on the petition, the EFCC’s Special Investigation Section (SIS) obtained bank records, corporate filings, and transaction histories. Investigators traced ₦661,464,601.50 to four accounts domiciled in Jaiz Bank, two bearing Kyari’s name and two under the NGO Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief.
According to the EFCC, the funds were disguised as payments for a purported book launch and NGO activities but were in reality suspicious inflows from the NNPCL and oil companies doing business with the corporation. The Commission alleged that the accounts were controlled by Kyari but operated through family members serving as fronts.
Before approaching the court, the EFCC directed Jaiz Bank to place a temporary “no debit” instruction on the four accounts. That restriction, however, could only subsist for 72 hours without judicial authorisation.
The application before Justice Nwite, therefore, sought to formalise the freeze while the commission continues its investigation.
In an affidavit filed in support of the motion, EFCC investigator Amin Abdullahi said preliminary findings linked the accounts to the alleged laundering of funds and the abuse of office.
“It is in the interest of justice to preserve the identified funds pending the conclusion of the investigation and possible prosecution,” the EFCC stated.
After reviewing the affidavit evidence, exhibits, and written submissions, Justice Nwite held that the application had merit. He granted the order as prayed, directing that the accounts remain frozen for 30 days in the first instance.
The case is expected to resume on 23 September, when the EFCC will update the court on the progress of its probe.
