By Erewunmi Peace

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four bank accounts linked to former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kolo Kyari, over alleged fraud and money laundering.

Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order on Tuesday, August 19, following an ex parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to the EFCC, the frozen accounts—domiciled at Jaiz Bank—are in the names of Mele Kyari and the Guwori Community Development Foundation, including one tagged Flood Relief. Investigators allege that suspicious inflows, amounting to about ₦661.4 million, were traced to the accounts, believed to be linked to fraudulent activities, conspiracy, and abuse of office.

The EFCC told the court that some of the funds were disguised as proceeds from book launches and NGO contributions but were allegedly kickbacks from oil companies.

Justice Nwite, in his ruling, directed Jaiz Bank to freeze the accounts pending the conclusion of the investigation. The matter has been adjourned to September 23, 2025, for a progress report from the EFCC.

Kyari, who served as the NNPCL boss until 2024, has not publicly responded to the allegations.

This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of financial dealings within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.