Why court froze ex-NNPCL boss Mele Kyari’s account with Nigerian bank, says Judge

Justice Emeka Nwite granted an ex parte order for the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze the account of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari. The order was based on allegations of financial impropriety, specifically regarding funds totaling three million naira in a Jaiz Bank (NGX: JAIZBANK) account under the name of Guwori Community Development Foundation.

The EFCC lawyer, Ogechi Ujam, presented the order to facilitate an investigation into Kyari. The judge found the application meritorious and froze the account pending further investigation.

Kyari, who was removed from his position and replaced in April 2025, has denied any involvement in the alleged fraud. The court has scheduled a report on the ownership of the bank account for September 23.