A Federal High Court in Abuja has frozen four bank accounts linked to Mele Kyari.
The EFCC secured the order after alleging fraud, money laundering, and abuse of office.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an interim order to freeze four bank accounts linked to the former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Mele Kyari.
The decision followed an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which sought to preserve funds allegedly connected to fraud.
Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding as vacation judge, delivered the ruling on Tuesday after listening to arguments from EFCC counsel, Ms. Ogechi Ujam. She informed the court that the accounts were being investigated for offences including conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.
Although the EFCC had applied for the accounts to be frozen for 60 days, Justice Nwite reduced the period to 30 days, with the option for renewal upon further application.
According to the EFCC, the accounts under probe include two personal accounts in Kyari’s name: Jaiz Bank account number 0017922724, listed twice in the application; as well as Jaiz Bank account number 0018575055 belonging to Guwori Community Development and Jaiz Bank account number 0018575141 registered to Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite said:
“I have listened to counsel to the applicant and gone through the affidavit evidence with the exhibits and written address attached. I find that this application is meritorious and it is hereby granted as prayed.”
He then adjourned the case until September 23, directing the EFCC to provide an update on developments regarding the investigation.
The anti-graft agency explained in its affidavit that preliminary findings showed the bank accounts were linked to proceeds of crime. It argued that freezing the accounts was necessary to prevent the funds from being dissipated before the conclusion of the investigation and possible prosecution of those involved.
The ruling adds another layer of scrutiny to Kyari, who has faced mounting allegations since leaving office.
Observers note that the order is only temporary, as the EFCC will still have to substantiate its claims if it proceeds to trial.
