The Presidency has dismissed reports claiming that Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), was forced to resign by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to unconfirmed reports, Ojulari was allegedly compelled to step down late Friday night during a covert operation reportedly led by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi—without presidential approval. Sources described the move as a “civilian coup.”
However, Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga debunked the allegations on Saturday, affirming that Ojulari remains in charge of the NNPCL.
Ojulari was appointed in April 2025 to lead significant reforms within the organisation. As of now, the EFCC has not issued an official statement, and attempts to reach its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, for comment were unsuccessful.
The controversy is reportedly linked to a massive $21 million (₦34.65 billion) corruption scandal. Civil society groups, including OilWatch Nigeria and the Workers’ Rights Alliance, have been vocal in their demands for Ojulari’s arrest and prosecution.
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These groups held a press conference on July 31 at the EFCC headquarters, accusing Ojulari of economic sabotage and citing the prolonged shutdown of Nigeria’s refineries.
They claim a detained associate, Abdullahi Bashir Haske, confessed to holding the funds on Ojulari’s behalf.
In response, the coalition launched a three-day protest on August 1, targeting the National Assembly, NNPCL headquarters, and EFCC offices to press their demands.
Further complicating the situation are additional allegations of a $21 million kickback scheme involving oil traders and pipeline contractors.
This scheme was reportedly uncovered after Ojulari reassigned fund collection responsibilities, prompting a whistleblower to alert the EFCC. The implicated account has since been frozen.
Meanwhile, a counter-narrative has emerged from groups like the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiatives (CGGCI) and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA).
They have defended Ojulari, suggesting the protests are politically motivated attempts to undermine his reform efforts.
These groups commend his leadership for implementing real-time monitoring systems, auditing opaque contracts, and stabilizing fuel supply, which has reportedly reduced queues at petrol stations.
They have urged President Tinubu to stand by Ojulari and his anti-corruption agenda.
Adding to the complexity, the Niger Delta Environmental Justice Coalition (NDEJC) has also criticized the alleged EFCC-DSS operation as politically driven, while acknowledging Ojulari’s positive impact on boosting oil production and remittances.
The situation remains murky, with the public awaiting an official statement from the EFCC.
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