A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the freezing of four bank accounts allegedly linked to the former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the interim order on Tuesday after considering an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft agency told the court it was still investigating Kyari over alleged conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering, and needed to secure the funds pending the conclusion of its probe.
According to the EFCC, the affected accounts—domiciled with Jaiz Bank—include two personal accounts belonging to Kyari and two others operated under the name of Guwori Community Development Foundation. Investigators allege that over ₦661 million, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, was funneled through the accounts under the guise of contract facilitation, a book launch, and NGO activities.
The EFCC further claimed that the accounts were managed by Kyari through family members acting as fronts, with suspicious inflows traced from the NNPC and oil companies linked to the corporation.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite said the application had merit and ordered the accounts frozen until investigations are concluded. The case was adjourned to September 23 for further hearing.
The order followed a petition filed on April 24 by a group known as the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law, which accused Kyari of financial misconduct.
