Justice Nwite has broken silence on granting Ex Parte Order to freeze Kyari’s Jaiz Bank Accounts.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has explained why he granted an ex parte order sought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze the bank accounts of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.
The order, issued on Tuesday, directed the freezing of funds totalling ₦661,464,601.50 held in three Jaiz Bank accounts linked to Kyari, the Guwori Community Development Foundation, and the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief.
EFCC’s lawyer, Ogechi Ujam, argued that the measure was necessary to facilitate ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct during Kyari’s tenure.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite said:
“I have listened to counsel to the applicant and gone through the affidavit evidence with the exhibits and written address attached in support. I found that this application is meritorious, and it is hereby granted as prayed.”
The judge adjourned the matter to September 23 for a report on the ownership of the frozen accounts.
Kyari, who was removed from office in April 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and replaced by Bayo Ojulari, has continued to deny allegations of fraud.