ABUJA: The former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, was on Wednesday interrogated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC} over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure.
Kyari arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja at about 2:15 p.m. and later left after hours of questioning. Speaking briefly to journalists before entering the building, he said: 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.
Kyari’s interrogation follows an earlier order by the Federal High Court in Abuja granting the EFCC permission to temporarily freeze four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to him.
The commission had asked for a 60-day freeze to conclude investigations, but Justice Emeke Nwite limited the period to 30 days, with an option for renewal.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite said:I have listened to the counsel for the applicant and gone through the affidavit evidence with the exhibits and written address attached.
I found that this application is meritorious, and it is hereby granted as prayed.”
The court adjourned the matter to September 23, 2025, for a progress report.
According to an affidavit filed by Amin Abdullahi, an EFCC investigator, the probe was triggered by a petition dated April 24, 2025, from a civil society group, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law.
The EFCC claims that preliminary investigations revealed ₦661,464,601.50, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, was warehoused across four accounts.
Two accounts were registered in Kyari’s name, while the other two were operated under the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief, an NGO allegedly linked to him.
The accounts listed include:
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Jaiz Bank Account No: 0017922724 – Mele Kyari
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Jaiz Bank Account No: 0018575055 – Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief
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Jaiz Bank Account No: 0018575141 – Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief
The EFCC alleges the accounts were used to receive suspicious inflows from the NNPCL and several oil companies. Investigators also claimed the accounts were managed by Kyari’s family members, said to be acting as fronts.
The ongoing probe has raised concerns over alleged conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.
With Kyari already questioned and his accounts under judicial freeze, all eyes are now on the EFCC’s next steps as it prepares to update the court later this month.
Kyari, who played a central role in the oil sector reforms during his tenure at the NNPCL, now faces growing scrutiny that could shape the government’s anti-corruption drive and its credibility in handling high-profile cases.
