Court freezes Mele Kyari’s N661m in bank on EFCC request

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has granted an ex parte order sought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze three bank accounts linked to the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.

The order, which was issued on Tuesday, places a hold on a total of N661,464,601.50 lodged in three accounts operated with Jaiz Bank.

The affected accounts are registered in Kyari’s name, the Guwori Community Development Foundation, and the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief Fund.

EFCC’s lawyer, Ogechi Ujam, presented the application (suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1641), arguing that the measure was necessary to aid ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct during Kyari’s tenure as NNPCL chief.

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In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that the application had merit: “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 court fixed September 23, 2025 for the EFCC to submit a report on the ownership and status of the frozen accounts.

Kyari, who was removed by President Bola Tinubu in April 2025 and replaced with Bayo Ojulari, has faced a series of corruption allegations since leaving office.

Although the former NNPCL boss has denied any wrongdoing, the EFCC’s move to freeze his accounts marks a new twist in the growing controversy around his stewardship of the national oil company.

Analysts note that the order further complicates Kyari’s legal and public image battles, with investigations likely to extend into the operations of the foundations associated with him.