The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to the immediate-past Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over allegations of fraud, money laundering, and abuse of office.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order on Tuesday following an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The Commission requested the interim freezing of the accounts pending the conclusion of its ongoing investigation.
“I have listened to counsel for the applicant and examined the affidavit evidence with attached exhibits and written address. I find merit in the application, and it is hereby granted as prayed,” Justice Nwite ruled.
The case was adjourned to September 23, 2025, for a status update.
According to documents filed by the EFCC, the motion to freeze the accounts was submitted on August 11, 2025. The Commission stated that the accounts belong to Mr. Kyari, who is under investigation for conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.
An affidavit deposed by EFCC investigator Amin Abdullahi revealed that the agency is probing a petition submitted on April 24 by a group known as Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law. Abdullahi, a member of the Special Investigation Unit, said his team obtained bank records and identified four suspicious accounts.
Two of the accounts are registered under Mele Kyari’s name, while the other two are associated with a non-governmental organisation, Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief. The specific account details were presented to the court as evidence.
The EFCC alleged that the accounts received suspicious inflows traced to the NNPCL and several oil companies. Investigators further claimed that Kyari controlled the accounts through family members acting as proxies.
Preliminary findings indicate that ₦661,464,601.50—believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities—were deposited across the four accounts. The Commission said the transactions were disguised as payments for a book launch and NGO activities.
EFCC also disclosed that it had instructed Jaiz Bank to place a temporary “no debit” restriction on the accounts for 72 hours. However, it sought a formal court order to extend the freeze to preserve the funds pending the conclusion of the investigation and potential prosecution.
“The application is in the interest of justice,” the Commission stated, urging the court to prevent any dissipation of funds during the ongoing probe.
