Court Freezes Mele Kyari’s Bank Accounts Over Alleged Fraud

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 Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kolo Kyari, following allegations of fraud and money laundering.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Tuesday while ruling on an ex parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1641 and argued by its counsel, Ogechi Ujam.

Although the anti-graft agency had sought a 60-day freezing order to conclude its ongoing investigation, the judge limited the duration to 30 days, with the possibility of renewal upon application.

“I have listened to counsel to the applicant and gone through the affidavit evidence with the exhibits and written address attached. I find that this application is meritorious and it is hereby granted as prayed,” Justice Nwite held.

The affected accounts domiciled in Jaiz Bank include account number 0017922724 with the name Mele Kyari; another account with the same number listed under Mele Kyari; account number 0018575055 belonging to Guwori Community Development; and account number 0018575141 operated by Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief.

The EFCC had argued that the accounts were under investigation for offences bordering on conspiracy, abuse of office, misappropriation of funds, and money laundering.

It said the interim order was necessary to preserve the funds pending the conclusion of its probe.

In its supporting affidavit, the commission disclosed that its Special Investigations Unit received a petition on April 24 from a civil society group, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, accusing Kyari of diverting public funds through multiple bank accounts.

According to EFCC, preliminary findings revealed that about ₦661,464,601.50, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, was warehoused in the four accounts. The funds were allegedly received from the NNPC and oil companies dealing with the corporation.

The anti-graft agency further alleged that Kyari opened several accounts with Jaiz Bank, using family members as fronts to manage them.

Transactions in the accounts were said to have been disguised as payments for a book launch and activities of a non-governmental organisation.

The EFCC told the court that it had already written to Jaiz Bank demanding comprehensive account details and placed a temporary “no-debit” instruction on the accounts, which could only last 72 hours without judicial backing.

“It is in the interest of justice to grant this application,” the EFCC stated, insisting that preserving the funds was crucial ahead of possible prosecution.

The case has been adjourned to September 23 for the EFCC to provide updates on the investigation.