The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered a temporary freeze on four bank accounts tied to former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) boss, Mele Kyari, following allegations of fraud and money laundering.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the ruling on Tuesday after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sought the order through an ex parte application. The accounts, all domiciled in Jaiz Bank, are said to include two directly under Kyari’s name and two others registered to a non-governmental organisation, Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief.

According to EFCC investigators, over ₦661 million suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities was traced to the accounts. The Commission alleged that the funds were disguised as payments for a book launch and NGO activities but were actually linked to suspicious inflows from oil companies and the NNPC.

Court filings revealed that the accounts were allegedly controlled by Kyari through family members acting as proxies. EFCC argued that freezing the accounts was necessary to preserve the funds while investigations continue.

Justice Nwite, in granting the request, held that the EFCC had provided sufficient grounds for the order. The matter has been adjourned until September 23, when the Commission is expected to present an update on its findings.

Kyari, who left office as NNPCL Group Managing Director earlier this year, is currently under investigation for conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.