Mele Kyari, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has debunked reports suggesting he is currently being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with a $2.9 billion probe into refinery rehabilitation spending.
Kyari, in a post shared via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, refuted the claims, labeling them as “clear mischief” and an orchestrated effort by unknown actors to discredit him.
“Over the past few days, and particularly in the past two hours, I have been inundated with calls from concerned family and friends over claims by an online newspaper that I was in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
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“This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only they know,” the 60-year-old wrote.
Kyari, whose exit followed a presidential order disbanding the leadership of NNPCL, stated that he is presently on a much-needed break after decades of public service.
“It should be stated that having served the NNPC and the NNPCL for 34 years—17 of those in management roles, and especially the last 5 years and 9 months—I had little time for leave, even for two weeks,” he noted.
While maintaining his integrity, he stressed his openness to scrutiny regarding his time in public office, affirming that he is accountable to both the authorities and a higher power.
“I must emphasise that I served with the fear of God, knowing fully well as a Muslim that if I do not account before man, I will account before Allah.
“Having served in public capacity, I am willing and happy to account for my stewardship in this world,” he stated.
Kyari also urged journalists and media platforms to avoid spreading false narratives, cautioning that such actions could negatively affect the country’s investment climate and global image.
His comments come at a time when the EFCC is intensifying its investigation into corruption allegations involving over a dozen top officials of the NNPCL, including Kyari and another former GCEO, Abubakar Yar’Adua.
A letter dated April 28, 2025, confirmed that the anti-graft agency is looking into allegations of misconduct and mismanagement of funds earmarked for revamping Nigeria’s key refineries in Port Harcourt ($1.56 billion), Kaduna ($740.6 million), and Warri ($656.9 million).
The Commission has demanded official records detailing salaries and allowances of the implicated officials, both past and present.
Among those reportedly under investigation are Ibrahim Onoja, Mustapha Magaji Sugungun, Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua, Isiaka Abdulrazak, Umar Ajiya, Dikko Ahmed, Ademoye Adeniyi Jelili, Kayode Olusegun Adetokunbo, Efiok Michael Akpan, Jimoh Olasunkanmi, Bello Kankaya, and Desmond Inyama.
Sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that a staggering ₦80 billion was uncovered in the bank account of one former refinery MD, sparking further arrests and detailed forensic audits.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the probe to Channels TV, saying, “There are ongoing investigations into the funds released for the rehabilitation of the Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.”
Earlier, on April 2, President Bola Tinubu approved a sweeping overhaul of the NNPCL’s board and executive leadership. Kyari, alongside board chairman Chief Pius Akinyelure and several others, was relieved of his duties.
The President appointed Bashir Ojulari to take over as Group CEO, while Ahmadu Kida was named Non-Executive Chairman, with instructions to enhance performance, rebuild investor trust, and assess the company’s asset portfolio.
Despite the controversy surrounding his exit, Kyari has reiterated his availability to respond to all legitimate inquiries and extended gratitude to his loved ones for their support throughout the ordeal.
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