The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to the immediate past Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Mele Kyari, over allegations of fraud.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Tuesday after counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ogechi Ujam, filed an ex parte motion seeking to freeze the accounts pending the conclusion of investigations.

The judge ruled that the application was meritorious, adding:
“I have listened to counsel for the applicant and reviewed the affidavit evidence, exhibits, and written address attached. I find that this application is meritorious and it is hereby granted as prayed.”

He adjourned the case to 23 September for a progress report.

The EFCC had filed the motion on 11 August, stating that the accounts belong to Kyari, who is under investigation for conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.

In an affidavit, EFCC investigator Amin Abdullahi disclosed that a petition dated 24 April was submitted by the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law group, prompting the probe. Investigations revealed two accounts in Kyari’s name and two others under the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief.

The EFCC alleged that over ₦661 million, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, was channelled through the accounts, disguised as payments for a book launch and NGO activities.

The Commission further claimed that the accounts were managed by Kyari through family members acting as fronts, with suspicious inflows traced to NNPC and oil companies.

Justice Nwite’s order allows the accounts to remain frozen while the investigation continues.