​FEDERAL HIGH COURT FREEZES N661 MILLION IN EX-NNPCL BOSS KYARI'S BANK ACCOUNTS:

​FEDERAL HIGH COURT FREEZES N661 MILLION IN EX-NNPCL BOSS KYARI'S BANK ACCOUNTS:

August 20, 2025

By Andrew Oleka  

​In a significant move in the fight against corruption, a Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four bank accounts linked to Mele Kolo Kyari, the former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The court’s decision stems from a high-stakes investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into allegations of fraud, abuse of office, and money laundering.

​Justice Emeka Nwite, ruling on an ex parte motion filed by the EFCC, issued the order on Tuesday, granting the anti-graft agency a crucial 30-day window to conclude its investigation. Although the EFCC had requested a 60-day freeze, the court limited the order to 30 days, with the option for renewal.

​The EFCC's lawyer, Ogechi Ujam, argued that the freezing order was essential to preserve the funds, which are currently the subject of an intense investigation. Ujam identified the accounts, all domiciled at Jaiz Bank, as being connected to Kyari. The accounts include:

​Account numbers 0017922724 (x2) under the name Mele Kyari.

​Account numbers 0018575055 and 0018575141 under the name Guwori Community Development.

​In his ruling, Justice Nwite affirmed the merit of the application, stating, "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." The case has been adjourned until September 23, when the EFCC is scheduled to provide an update on its findings.

​Uncovering a Web of Financial Misconduct

​According to court documents, the EFCC’s preliminary investigation, triggered by a petition from the group Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law, has already uncovered alarming details. The agency alleges that a total of N661,464,601.50, suspected to be the proceeds of illegal activities, was traced to the four bank accounts.

​The EFCC's affidavit further reveals that Kyari allegedly opened multiple accounts at Jaiz Bank, which were then used to receive suspicious payments from the NNPCL and various oil companies. The agency suspects that these accounts were managed by Kyari's family members, who acted as fronts to disguise the transactions. The funds were reportedly disguised as payments for a book launch and for the activities of a non-governmental organization (NGO).

​To prevent the dissipation of these funds while the investigation is ongoing, the EFCC sought the court's intervention, emphasizing that a freezing order was "in the interest of justice." The temporary freeze ensures that the funds will remain secure as the EFCC continues its efforts to unravel the full extent of the alleged financial crimes and prepares for a potential prosecution.