Former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has been questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over financial dealings linked to his tenure in office.
Kyari was sighted at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 2:15 pm on Wednesday, where he was ushered in for interrogation. Speaking briefly before entering, he remarked, “I have done my part; the EFCC must do theirs. When each of us does our duty without fear or favour, with honour, respect, and commitment—Nigeria moves forward.”
The EFCC has already secured a temporary freeze order on four Jaiz Bank accounts tied to Kyari, following allegations of fraud. The anti-graft agency had initially sought a 60-day freeze from the Federal High Court in Abuja, but Justice Emeke Nwite approved only 30 days, with the possibility of renewal if required.
In August, the EFCC, represented by counsel Ogechi Ujam, filed an ex parte motion asking the court to freeze the accounts pending the outcome of its investigation. Justice Nwite upheld the application, ruling that it was meritorious. The matter was adjourned to September 23 for an update.
Court documents revealed that two of the frozen accounts were in Kyari’s name, while the other two were registered under the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief. EFCC investigator Amin Abdullahi disclosed in an affidavit that the probe originated from a petition dated April 24, filed by a group known as the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law.
According to Abdullahi, preliminary findings showed suspicious inflows into the accounts from the NNPC and oil companies with links to the corporation. He alleged that the accounts, though registered under Kyari and the NGO, were controlled by Kyari and managed through family members acting as fronts.
The EFCC further stated that about ₦661,464,601.50, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity, was discovered across the four accounts. The Commission maintained that these funds are being investigated as part of a wider case involving conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.
What You Should Know
Mele Kyari, former NNPCL boss, is currently under EFCC investigation over allegations of financial misconduct. A Federal High Court ordered the temporary freezing of four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to him, where over ₦661 million in suspicious funds were allegedly traced.
The case, tied to accusations of conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering, is still under probe, with the EFCC pushing forward on its findings.
