The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly placed former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, under scrutiny over the ongoing investigation into the $7.2 billion refineries’ turnaround maintenance project.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has also temporarily frozen four bank accounts linked to Kyari as part of the probe into alleged fraud.
First Daily recalls that Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Tuesday, August 19, while ruling on an ex parte motion filed by the EFCC, represented by lawyer Ogechi Ujam.
“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,” Justice Nwite said. He adjourned the matter to September 23 for further reporting by the EFCC.
The EFCC had requested a 60-day freeze on the accounts but the judge limited it to 30 days, with the option to extend.
The accounts include two under Kyari’s name and two under the Guwori Community Development Foundation, all domiciled at Jaiz Bank.
According to the EFCC, preliminary investigations suggest that N661,464,601.50, suspected as proceeds of unlawful activities, flowed through these accounts.
“Bank records revealed that these accounts are controlled and managed by Mr Kyari through his family members who are acting as fronts,” the commission said.
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Investigators allege that some transactions were disguised as payments for a purported book launch and activities of a non-governmental organisation.
The EFCC said it has requested hard copies of the account details from Jaiz Bank and issued a 72-hour no-debit instruction pending the court order.
Sources indicate that Kyari’s close associates were questioned last month on the handling of funds intended for the maintenance of the country’s four refineries.
The agency expects to summon Kyari for interrogation soon, even if he is currently outside Nigeria.
Earlier in April, President Bola Tinubu removed Kyari from his position as NNPCL CEO during a board reconstitution, appointing Bashir Ojulari in his place effective April 2, 2025.
Several top former NNPCL officials, including Umar Ajiya Isa, former CFO, and Jimoh Olasunkanmi, ex-Managing Director of Warri Refinery, have also been reportedly investigated over alleged mismanagement of refinery maintenance funds.
Other officials under scrutiny include Ahmed Adamu Dikko, former MD of Port Harcourt Refinery, and Tunde Bakare, MD of Warri Refinery.
“While responses of the banks are being awaited, the commission has written to post a no debit instruction on the accounts, which will only last for 72 hours,” the EFCC stated.
Officials involved in key NNPC projects are being investigated for alleged abuse of office, corruption, diversion of funds, and kickbacks.