The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, on its watchlist as part of an ongoing investigation into the controversial $7.2 billion refineries’ turnaround maintenance.
The move comes as the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the temporary freezing of four bank accounts linked to him over allegations of fraud, conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.
Sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed that the probe, which intensified after the arrest and interrogation of several of Kyari’s associates, has reached an advanced stage.
Investigators have reportedly obtained documents detailing how funds earmarked for refinery repairs were managed, with suspicions that large sums were misappropriated through accounts controlled by Kyari and his family members.
Some of the funds, amounting to over N661 million, were allegedly disguised as payments for a book launch and activities of a non-governmental organisation.
Justice Emeka Nwite, while ruling on an ex parte motion brought by EFCC counsel Ogechi Ujam, ordered that the four Jaiz Bank accounts—two in Kyari’s name and two linked to Guwori Community Development Foundation—be frozen for 30 days, pending further investigation.
Although the EFCC had requested a 60-day freeze, the court limited the order but allowed for possible renewal.
Kyari, who was removed from his position in April during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reconstitution of the NNPCL board, was replaced by Bashir Ojulari as the new CEO.
His removal was followed by a series of EFCC clampdowns on top officials of the oil firm, including refinery managing directors and the former Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya Isa, all of whom are under investigation for alleged diversion of funds, kickbacks from contractors, and other forms of corruption.
According to EFCC insiders, Kyari will soon be invited for interrogation, with one official stressing that “territorial boundaries have no effect on criminal investigations” and assuring that the commission will track him down whenever necessary.
The investigation stems from a petition filed in April by the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law, accusing Kyari of using multiple bank accounts to launder proceeds of unlawful activities from NNPCL and oil company transactions.
With several top officials already reporting regularly to the EFCC, the commission says it is being discreet in its probe to secure critical information before moving against the former oil boss.
The case is adjourned to September 23 for the EFCC to report on further developments.
