EFCC Places Ex-NNPC Boss Mele Kyari on Watch List, Court Freezes His Accounts
- A former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, is reportedly being investigated by the EFCC
- The anti-graft agency has placed Kyari on its watchlist over the ongoing probe into the $7.2 billion refineries’ turnaround maintenance
- The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has earlier ordered a temporary freezing of four bank accounts linked to Kyari over allegations of fraud
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Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
FCT, Abuja - A former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has been placed on the watchlist of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
Kyari was placed on the EFCC watchlist over the ongoing probe into the $7.2 billion refineries’ turnaround maintenance.
Source: Facebook
As reported by Daily Trust, this is coming after the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, August 19, ordered a temporary freezing of four bank accounts linked to Kyari over allegations of fraud.
Legit.ng reports that Mele was appointed as NNPCL boss on July 7, 2019 and was replaced in April 2025 by Bashir Ojulari.
EFCC sources said investigations into the activities of the NNPCL during the period Kyari reached an advanced stage last month after his close associates were arrested.
It was gathered that EFCC operatives interrogated Kyari’s associates on how some funds earmarked for the maintenance of refineries were managed.
The crack detectives investigating how the fund meant for the refineries’ turn-around maintenance have reportedly obtained documents and other necessary information.
According to a highly placed EFCC official, the anti-graft agency would soon invite Kyari for interrogation.
“I can assure you that we have even gone far with his (Kyari’s) investigation. Don’t forget that in criminal investigations, territorial integrity and territorial boundaries of countries have no effect on criminal investigations.
“This is because the anti-corruption agencies operate at the transnational level, whether somebody leaves the country or not, it has nothing to do with our investigations, because whenever we need him, we will get him, and he’s already on our watch list.”
Source: Twitter
EFCC Finally Releases Tambuwal From Custody
Recall that the EFCC finally released the former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, on administrative bail.
Tambuwal, who was detained by the anti-graft agency on Monday, August 11, was released on Tuesday evening, August 12, 2025.
The former governor's release came after the ADC alleged that its leaders are being targeted by the commission for political reasons.
EFCC uncovers politicians' new tactic to conceal corruption
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the EFCC uncovered a tactic by some politicians to declare assets they do not yet own before taking office, enabling them to cover future corrupt acquisitions.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede revealed an investigation where a property valued at over N3bn was declared with a false address before it was built.
Olukoyede called on the Code of Conduct Bureau to be vigilant against such “anticipatory declaration” practices.
Source: Legit.ng
