The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed a former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, on its watchlist over an ongoing probe into the $7.2 billion refineries’ turnaround maintenance.
This is in addition to a recent order by a Federal High Court in Abuja that temporarily froze four bank accounts linked to him over fraud allegations.
Multiple sources at the EFCC told the Daily Trust that the investigation into Kyari’s activities at the NNPCL has reached an advanced stage, with his close associates already arrested and interrogated.
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A highly placed official, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “I can assure you that we have even gone far with his (Kyari’s) investigation.”
The official stressed that the investigation is not affected by his location, adding, “whenever we need him, we will get him, and he’s already on our watch list.”
Another EFCC source confirmed the investigation, noting that it is discreet to enable the commission to get “critical information” as “so many officials are involved.”
The article notes that other top former officials of the oil firm, including the former Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya Isa, and the managing directors of the Warri and Port Harcourt Refineries, have also been held or are being investigated in connection with the funds.
Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order to freeze four bank accounts linked to Kyari after an ex parte motion brought by the EFCC.
The commission’s lawyer, Ogechi Ujam, told the court that the temporary freeze was necessary for an ongoing investigation into “conspiracy, abuse of office and money laundering.”
The accounts were identified as two under Mele Kyari’s name and two under Guwori Community Dev. and Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief.
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. I find that this application is meritorious and it is hereby granted as prayed.”
The court granted the order for 30 days, which can be renewed.
The EFCC stated in a supporting affidavit that the accounts are linked to a suspect who “took advantage of the complainant to be a contract facilitator and launder proceeds of unlawful activities.”
It added that preliminary investigation revealed that the funds, suspected to be “proceeds of unlawful activities,” were “warehoused in four different accounts,” and that bank records showed the accounts are “controlled and managed by Mr Kyari through his family members who are acting as fronts.”
The funds were allegedly disguised as payments for a purported book launch and activities of a non-governmental organization.
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