Mele Kyari: Court blocks ex-NNPC GMD’s bank accounts as fraud probe deepens

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a directive for the temporary freezing of four bank accounts associated with Mr. Mele Kyari, the former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

This order was granted by Justice Emeka Nwite on Tuesday, following an ex-parte motion submitted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The commission has alleged that these accounts are linked to an ongoing investigation into fraud-related activities.

During the proceedings, EFCC counsel Ogechi Ujam asserted that the commission requires additional time to complete its investigation.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite stated:

“I have considered the counsel’s arguments and reviewed the supporting affidavit along with the exhibits and written submissions provided. I find this application to be well-founded and it is hereby granted as requested.”

The case has been adjourned until September 23 for reporting purposes.

According to court documents, the EFCC’s motion, designated FHC/ABJ/CS/1641, specifically sought an order to freeze the accounts held at Jaiz Bank. The accounts affected include:

Account No. 0017922724 (Mele Kyari)
Account No. 0018575055 (Guwori Community Development Foundation)
Account No. 0018575141 (Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief).

The anti-corruption agency has informed the court that the accounts in question are under investigation in relation to allegations of conspiracy, abuse of office, misappropriation of funds, and money laundering.

In a supporting affidavit, EFCC investigator Amin Abdullahi revealed that the investigation was initiated by a petition dated April 24, submitted by the civil society organization, Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law.

Abdullahi detailed that preliminary findings indicated that approximately N661,464,601.50, which is suspected to be derived from unlawful activities, was traced to accounts associated with Mr. Kyari.

He further explained, “The suspect has opened multiple accounts at Jaiz Bank, which have been utilized to receive questionable inflows from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and various oil companies that engage in transactions with NNPC. Banking records indicate that these accounts are controlled and managed by Mr. Kyari, through family members acting as proxies.”

Additionally, the investigator informed the court that some of the dubious transactions were disguised as payments for a book launch and the activities of a non-governmental organization.

The EFCC asserted that an interim order is essential to safeguard the funds while investigations and potential prosecutions are ongoing.

Justice Nwite approved the application, ordering that the affected accounts remain frozen until the next hearing date.