Court Freezes Ex-NNPCL Boss Mele Kyari’s Bank Accounts Over Alleged Fraud

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, temporarily froze four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to the former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, following an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order after hearing from the EFCC’s counsel, Ms. Ogechi Ujam, who revealed that the accounts were linked to an ongoing investigation into allegations of fraud.

Although the EFCC had requested a 60-day freeze on the accounts, Justice Nwite limited the order to 30 days, with the possibility of extension if deemed necessary. The commission explained that the freeze was crucial in preserving evidence related to a case involving conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.

The specific accounts affected include:

• Jaiz Bank account number 0017922724, in the name of Mele Kyari
• Jaiz Bank account number 0017922724, also in the name of Mele Kyari
• Jaiz Bank account number 0018575055, in the name of Guwori Community Development
• Jaiz Bank account number 0018575141, in the name of Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief

Ruling on the ex parte application, Justice Nwite, sitting as the vacation judge, stated, “I have listened to counsel to the applicant and reviewed the affidavit evidence with the exhibits and written address attached. I find that this application is meritorious and it is hereby granted as prayed.”

The court adjourned the case to September 23 for the EFCC to report on further developments.

The EFCC’s affidavit outlined that the accounts were under scrutiny for being potentially linked to the proceeds of crime. The commission emphasized the need to freeze the accounts to preserve funds while the investigation continues.

The affidavit also detailed how the investigation, which stemmed from a petition filed on April 24 by the group “Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law,” revealed that a total of N661,464,601.50 in suspected illicit funds had been funneled through these accounts. The funds were allegedly traced back to Kyari, who is accused of using family members as fronts to manage the accounts.

Further investigation revealed that the transactions in the accounts were concealed as payments for a purported book launch and activities of a non-governmental organization (NGO). The EFCC has requested comprehensive account details from Jaiz Bank and placed a temporary no-debit order on the accounts, awaiting further action.

The commission reiterated that freezing the accounts was essential to the integrity of the investigation and the pursuit of justice in the case.