Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has denied reports claiming he is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), following an ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of $2.9 billion allocated for refinery rehabilitation.
Kyari who dismissed the reports as “clear mischief” and a calculated attempt by unnamed individuals to tarnish his reputation said he has 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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Kyari, who was removed from his position following a presidential directive dissolving the NNPCL board and management, said he is currently taking a “well-deserved rest” after years of demanding public service.
While maintaining his innocence, Kyari expressed his readiness to account for his time in office, both before the Nigerian authorities and ultimately before God.
Kyari also urged the media to exercise restraint and avoid spreading unverified claims, warning that disinformation could harm investor confidence and the country’s international reputation.His statement comes amid a growing corruption probe by the EFCC involving at least 14 senior officials of NNPCL, including two former CEOs—Kyari and Abubakar Yar’Adua.
