A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to former NNPCL GMD, Mele Kolo Kyari, over alleged fraud.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order after hearing an ex parte motion, FHC/ABJ/CS/1641, filed by the EFCC and presented by its lawyer, Ogechi Ujam.
The EFCC requested a 60-day freeze to conclude its investigation, but Justice Nwite approved only 30 days, with the option of renewal if necessary.
Ujam argued that the freeze was crucial since the accounts are under investigation for conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.
She listed the accounts as Jaiz Bank account number 0017922724 (Mele Kyari), Jaiz Bank account number 0017922724 (Mele Kyari), Jaiz Bank account number 0018575055 (Guwori Community Dev.), and Jaiz Bank account number 0018575141 (Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief).
Justice Nwite stated, “I have considered the arguments, reviewed the affidavit, exhibits, and written address, and I find the application meritorious. It is therefore granted as requested.”
The judge adjourned the case to September 23 for the EFCC to present an update.
The EFCC based its application on three grounds, arguing that the accounts are central to an ongoing probe into misappropriation of funds and breach of trust.
The commission said its preliminary findings show that the accounts belong to Kyari, who allegedly exploited the complainant by posing as a contract facilitator and laundering illicit funds.
It added that preserving the funds was necessary until the investigation and possible prosecution are concluded.
In its affidavit, the EFCC confirmed that its Special Investigations (SIS) unit received a petition on April 24 from a group called Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law against Kyari.
The EFCC claimed investigators discovered ₦661,464,601.50 suspected to be illicit proceeds hidden in four accounts.
It said the funds were traced to Kyari, who opened multiple Jaiz Bank accounts used to receive questionable inflows from NNPC and oil companies working with NNPC.
The EFCC alleged Kyari controls the accounts through family members acting as fronts.
It also said transactions in the accounts were disguised as payments for a book launch and NGO activities.
The EFCC stated that it had already written to Jaiz Bank requesting full account details.
While awaiting the bank’s response, the EFCC instructed Jaiz Bank to place a temporary no-debit order on the accounts for 72 hours.
The EFCC stressed that a court order was required to extend the freeze while investigations continue.
It concluded that granting the application was necessary in the interest of justice.
source: thenationonlineng.net
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