Why court froze ex-NNPCL boss Mele Kyari’s account with Nigerian bank — report

Justice Emeka Nwite granted an ex parte order on Tuesday at the request of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze three bank accounts belonging to Mele Kyari, the former Group CEO of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The accounts, held at Jaiz Bank and totaling approximately ₦661 million, include Kyari’s personal account and two accounts linked to the Guwori Community Development Foundation. The funds will remain frozen pending ongoing investigations.

EFCC’s lawyer, Ogechi Ujam, argued that the freeze is necessary to facilitate the probe into alleged fraud during Kyari’s tenure. Justice Nwite agreed, describing the application as meritorious, and set September 23 for a hearing regarding ownership of the accounts.

Kyari was removed from his position by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2025, and his successor is Bayo Ojulari. Kyari has denied any wrongdoing amid the fraud allegations.