By Our Reporter
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has given reasons for granting an ex parte order requested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to freeze the bank accounts of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Mele Kyari.
The order, issued on Tuesday, affects three accounts domiciled in Jaiz Bank – one in Kyari’s name, another under the Guwori Community Development Foundation, and a third registered as the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief Fund. The total balance frozen amounts to N661,464,601.50.
According to EFCC’s counsel, Ogechi Ujam, the interim measure was necessary to aid ongoing investigations into allegations of financial misconduct linked to the former NNPCL boss. The judge, in his ruling, affirmed the merit of the application.
“I have listened to counsel to the applicant and gone through the affidavit evidence with the exhibits and written address attached in support. I found that this application is meritorious, and it is hereby granted as prayed,” Justice Nwite stated.
The court also fixed September 23 for a report on the ownership status of the affected bank accounts.
Kyari’s latest legal setback comes barely four months after he was dismissed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2025. He was replaced by Bayo Ojulari.
Following his removal, several allegations of fraud and mismanagement during his tenure surfaced. Kyari, however, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
