NNPC GMD, Mele Kyari

Former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, left the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja after being questioned over financial conduct during his term in office.

Kyari arrived at the EFCC around 2:15 pm on Wednesday for interrogation, later telling reporters: “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.”

The EFCC had earlier sought a 60-day freeze order on four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to Kyari to allow further investigation. However, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja restricted the freeze to 30 days, with a possibility of renewal. The accounts in question were temporarily frozen in August based on allegations of conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.

In filings, the EFCC submitted that two of the accounts bore Kyari’s name, while the other two were registered under a non-governmental organization called Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief. Investigators also alleged that these accounts, under Kyari’s control via family members acting as fronts, held suspicious inflows from NNPCL and its business associates. The total amount under scrutiny was reported as about ₦661,464,601.50, which the EFCC said may represent proceeds of unlawful activities.

Justice Nwite is expected to receive a report on the case on September 23, at which point the court will examine whether to renew or allow the freeze order to lapse.