ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal High Court in Abuja has frozen four bank accounts allegedly linked to former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) boss, Mele Kyari, amid ongoing fraud investigations.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Tuesday, after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed an ex parte motion in case FHC/ABJ/CS/1641. EFCC counsel, Ogechi Ujam, argued that freezing the accounts, domiciled in Jaiz Bank, was necessary to preserve funds and prevent obstruction of investigations.
The judge ruled in favour of the application, directing Jaiz Bank to enforce the freeze immediately. “The Commission has shown sufficient grounds for this order,” Justice Nwite stated, barring withdrawals until further notice.
The EFCC is probing alleged fraudulent transactions tied to Kyari, who served as NNPC Group Managing Director from 2019 and later became its first Group Chief Executive Officer following the company’s 2021 incorporation. He resigned in July 2024.
Although no formal charges have been filed, investigators maintain the probe is active. The matter has been adjourned, with the court expected to review the freeze after investigations.
The case adds to mounting scrutiny of NNPCL’s management. Analysts say the development highlights Nigeria’s continuing struggle with transparency in its oil sector, a critical revenue source for the nation.
