Mele Kyari Denies EFCC Detention Amid $2.9 Billion Refinery Probe
Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has denied being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), amid an ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of $2.9 billion earmarked for refinery rehabilitation.
In a statement posted Saturday on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Kyari described the reports as “clear mischief” and a deliberate attempt to smear his name.
“In the past few days, especially the last two hours, I’ve received numerous calls from concerned family and friends about an online report alleging I’m in EFCC custody,” he wrote. “This is false and a calculated move by the publication and its sponsors to push an undisclosed agenda.”
Kyari, recently removed from office following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to dissolve the NNPCL board and management, said he is currently taking a much-needed rest after decades of service.
“After 34 years with NNPC and NNPCL—17 of which were in management and nearly six years as CEO—I rarely had time off, not even for two weeks,” he noted.
Accountability and Faith
While reaffirming his innocence, Kyari expressed full willingness to account for his tenure—both to Nigerian authorities and before God.
“I served with the fear of God. As a Muslim, I know that even if I don’t answer to man, I will to Allah,” he said. “I am ready to be held accountable for my stewardship.”
He also called on the media to verify facts before publishing, warning that misinformation could damage investor confidence and tarnish Nigeria’s global image.
Ongoing Investigation
Kyari’s remarks come amid a widening EFCC probe involving at least 14 senior NNPCL officials—including two former CEOs, Kyari and Abubakar Yar’Adua—over alleged fund mismanagement.
A letter dated April 28, 2025, confirmed the Commission is investigating possible abuse of office and misappropriation in connection with rehabilitation contracts for Nigeria’s three major refineries: Port Harcourt ($1.56 billion), Kaduna ($740.6 million), and Warri ($656.9 million).
The EFCC has requested certified true copies of remuneration details for both current and former officials, including Ibrahim Onoja, Mustapha Magaji Sugungun, Abubakar Yar’Adua, Isiaka Abdulrazak, Umar Ajiya, Dikko Ahmed, and several others.
Sources say over ₦80 billion was found in the personal accounts of one former refinery MD, triggering further arrests and forensic audits.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the ongoing investigations to Channels TV: “We are actively probing the funds allocated for the rehabilitation of Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries.”
Leadership Reshuffle
On April 2, President Tinubu ordered a major overhaul of NNPCL’s leadership, relieving Kyari and Chairman Chief Pius Akinyelure of their duties. Bashir Ojulari has since been named Group CEO, while Ahmadu Kida assumes the role of Non-Executive Chairman, tasked with boosting efficiency and restoring investor confidence.
Despite mounting allegations, Kyari maintained his availability to respond to any lawful inquiries and expressed gratitude to those who had reached out in support.
