A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to the former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kolo Kyari, over alleged fraud and money laundering.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Tuesday while ruling on an ex parte motion (FHC/ABJ/CS/1641) brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and argued by its counsel, Ogechi Ujam.
The EFCC sought a 60-day freeze to complete its investigation, but Justice Nwite restricted the order to 30 days, with an option for renewal if needed.
According to Ujam, the affected accounts are under probe for conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering. The accounts include:
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Jaiz Bank account number 0017922724 (Mele Kyari)
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Jaiz Bank account number 0017922724 (Mele Kyari)
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Jaiz Bank account number 0018575055 (Guwori Community Development)
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Jaiz Bank account number 0018575141 (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.”
The matter was adjourned to September 23, 2025, for the EFCC to present a progress report.
The anti-graft agency alleged that ₦661,464,601.50, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, was funneled into the accounts as disguised inflows from NNPC and oil companies.
EFCC investigators claimed the funds were masked as payments for a purported book launch and NGO activities, with Kyari’s family members allegedly managing the accounts as fronts.
The agency further confirmed that it had written to Jaiz Bank requesting comprehensive account statements while placing a temporary no-debit order pending the court’s decision.
The investigation followed a petition filed on April 24 by the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law, which accused Kyari of laundering public funds under the guise of facilitating contracts.
