By Our Reporter
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has ordered the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, to show cause within 14 days why an order for his arrest and prosecution over alleged money laundering should not be issued.
Justice Mohammed Madugu, delivering the ruling, also directed that all court processes be served on the parties and deemed properly served before the court. The orders were issued following an ex parte application filed by a civil society organisation, the Incorporated Trustees of Initiative for Promotion of Civic Obligation and Sustainable Peace.
The organisation is seeking to compel the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Attorney General of the Federation to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to open a detailed investigation into Ojulari.
The motion, moved by counsel Daniel Edeachi, sought accelerated hearing of the matter, which the court granted.
According to the court’s enrolled order dated December 5, 2025, the affidavit in support of the motion deposed to by Ugoh Michael Toochi alleges money laundering, operation of foreign bank accounts, failure to declare assets, and other financial infractions by the NNPCL chief.
Justice Madugu adjourned the case to January 19, 2026, for further hearing.