Mele Kyari
By Abayomi Grace
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to Mele Kyari, the former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), over allegations of fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed an ex-parte motion seeking the freeze, citing ongoing investigations into Kyari’s activities.
The EFCC alleges that Kyari used his accounts to launder proceeds of unlawful activities, disguising transactions as payments for a book launch and NGO activities. Kyari is being investigated for conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering, with suspected funds amounting to N661,464,601.50.
The accounts in question include those in Kyari’s name and others linked to the Guwori Community Development Foundation and Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief. The court granted the EFCC’s request to freeze the accounts to preserve the funds pending the conclusion of the investigation and possible prosecution.
The EFCC’s investigation into Kyari’s activities is ongoing, and the case has been adjourned until September 23 for a report on the investigation’s progress. If the findings warrant, Kyari may face prosecution. The temporary freezing of the accounts is part of the EFCC’s efforts to prevent any potential tampering with evidence or dissipation of funds that may be linked to illicit activities.
The development has sparked interest in the outcome of the investigation and potential implications for Kyari and the NNPCL. The court’s decision will likely have significant implications for the case, and the public will be watching closely for updates on the investigation’s progress.
