Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has explained why he granted an ex parte order obtained 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 court issued the order on Tuesday, placing a restriction on Kyari’s funds totalling N661,464,601.50 held in three Jaiz Bank accounts. The accounts are registered in his personal name, the Guwori Community Development Foundation, and the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief.
According to EFCC’s counsel, Ogechi Ujam, the order (FHC/ABJ/CS/1641) was necessary to aid ongoing investigations into allegations against Kyari.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Nwite said:
“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.”
The judge fixed September 23 for the report of ownership of the affected bank accounts.
Kyari’s current troubles follow his removal in April 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who replaced him with Bayo Ojulari as the new NNPCL GCEO.
Since his exit, the former oil chief has faced mounting allegations of fraud during his tenure at the state oil company, though he has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
