By Uzair Adam
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday 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), Mele Kyari, following allegations of fraud.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lawyer, Ogechi Ujam, moved an ex parte motion.
Ujam explained that investigations were still ongoing and more time was needed to conclude the process.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that the application had merit and should be granted. He adjourned the matter until September 23 for a progress report.
According to the EFCC, the affected accounts are registered under Kyari’s name and two other entities—Guwori Community Development Fund and Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the accounts contain over N661 million suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The commission further told the court that preliminary investigations revealed the funds were disguised as payments for a book launch and NGO activities, while the accounts were managed through Kyari’s family members acting as fronts.
The EFCC said the action became necessary to preserve the funds pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution.