Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has given reasons for granting an ex parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze three bank accounts linked to former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) chief executive, Mele Kyari.
The order, issued on Tuesday, affects funds totalling ₦661,464,601.50 held in three Jaiz Bank accounts belonging to Kyari, the Guwori Community Development Foundation, and the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief.
EFCC’s lawyer, Ogechi Ujam, argued that the measure was necessary to aid ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct during Kyari’s tenure.
Ruling on the application, 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 a report on the ownership of the frozen accounts.
Kyari, who was removed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2025 and replaced with Bayo Ojulari, has faced fraud allegations since leaving office. He has, however, consistently denied any wrongdoing.
