Nigeria’s fight against corruption in its oil sector has taken another turn after a court froze the bank account of Mars Aviation Limited over allegations it received illicit payments from the state-owned oil company.
The Federal High Court in Abuja granted the order on 22 September, directing Fidelity Bank Plc to freeze the firm’s account while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigates. The decision followed an ex-parte application by EFCC lawyer Geraldine Ofulue.
According to court documents, investigators allege that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) made “huge” payments to Mars Aviation under contracts deemed fraudulent and contrary to procurement regulations.
An EFCC investigator, Abdulganiyu Olayide, said in a sworn affidavit that the freeze order was necessary to secure the funds and block further transactions while the inquiry proceeds.
Justice Musa Liman ruled in favour of the commission, describing the application as justified. The case is being handled under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1299/2025.
The order represents the latest development in the EFCC’s scrutiny of financial dealings tied to Nigeria’s energy sector, long viewed as a hotspot for corruption and mismanagement.
