- Following Kyari’s removal, allegations of fraud when he held sway as the helmsman of the state-owned oil company have emerged
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has disclosed why he acceded to the request of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to freeze the bank accounts of Mele Kyari.
Kyari, a former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, is being investigated by the anti-graft agency over his management of the company.
Justice Nwite granted an ex parte order by the EFCC to freeze Kyari’s account on Tuesday.
Under the order, Kyari’s funds totalling N661,464,601.50 in three Jaiz Bank accounts—registered in his name, the Guwori Community Development Foundation, and the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief—have been frozen from Tuesday pending investigation.
EFCC’s lawyer, Ogechi Ujam, presented the ex parte order, FHC/ABJ/CS/1641, on the basis that the measure would facilitate the investigation against Kyari.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite stated that he granted the ex parte because the EFCC application has merit.
He 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 subsequently fixed September 23 for the report of ownership of the bank accounts.
Recall that Kyari was sacked by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2025, and Bayo Ojulari was appointed as his replacement.
Following Kyari’s removal, allegations of fraud when he held sway as the helmsman of the state-owned oil company have emerged; however, the former oil firm boss has denied any involvement