By Ayomide Otitoju
Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has denied reports that he is in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an ongoing probe into the alleged misappropriation of $2.9 billion meant for refinery rehabilitation.
In a post on Saturday via his X account (formerly Twitter), Kyari described the claims as “clear mischief” orchestrated by individuals seeking to damage his reputation.
“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 EFCC custody,” he wrote. “This is a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome known only to them.”
Kyari, who was recently removed from office following President Bola Tinubu’s directive dissolving the NNPCL board and management, stated that he is currently on a “well-deserved rest” after nearly 35 years in service, including over five years at the helm of the company.
Reiterating his innocence, Kyari pledged readiness to respond to any lawful inquiry regarding his stewardship. “I served with the fear of God… I am willing and happy to account for my stewardship in this world,” he added.
His response comes amid a broader EFCC investigation involving at least 14 senior NNPCL officials, including former CEOs Kyari and Abubakar Yar’Adua. The probe focuses on the utilisation of billions allocated for the overhaul of Nigeria’s three major refineries—Port Harcourt ($1.56bn), Kaduna ($740.6m), and Warri ($656.9m).
According to an April 28 letter, the EFCC has requested certified copies of remuneration records for current and retired officials, including names such as Umar Ajiya, Isiaka Abdulrazak, and Desmond Inyama. Sources within the agency claim over ₦80 billion was found in a former refinery executive’s personal accounts.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the probe, stating, “There are ongoing investigations into the funds released for the rehabilitation of the Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries.”
Kyari, while calling for media responsibility, warned against disinformation that could undermine investor confidence and tarnish Nigeria’s global image.
