The court has frozen the bank accounts of Mele Kyari, former CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), following a request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Emeka Nwite explained that the order was necessary to support an ongoing investigation.
The decision has added new legal challenges for Kyari. On Tuesday, the judge approved the EFCC’s ex parte application, which targets three accounts at Jaiz Bank.
These accounts, held under Kyari’s name and two related foundations—the Guwori Community Development Foundation and the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief—contain a total of N661,464,601.50. The funds will remain frozen until the investigation concludes.
EFCC lawyer Ogechi Ujam told the court that freezing the accounts was crucial for the investigation. Justice Nwite, after reviewing the evidence and supporting documents, agreed and granted the order.
He also set September 23 as the date to report on the ownership of the accounts.
Kyari was removed as NNPCL CEO by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2025, and Bayo Ojulari was appointed as his replacement. Following his dismissal, allegations of fraud during Kyari’s tenure have emerged, though he has denied any involvement.
