Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has denied reports that he is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of $2.9 billion set aside for refinery rehabilitation.
In a statement made on Saturday on his X account (previously Twitter), Kyari denounced the reports as “clear mischief” and a premeditated attempt by unnamed individuals to destroy 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 the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only they know,” Kyari wrote.
Kyari, who was dismissed from his job following a presidential mandate dissolving the NNPCL board and management, claimed he is currently taking a “well-deserved rest” after years of arduous 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 emphasising his innocence, Kyari indicated his willingness to account for his time in government, both to Nigerian authorities and eventually to God.
“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 a public capacity, I am willing and happy to account for my stewardship in this world,” he stated.
According to a letter dated April 28, 2025, the EFCC is investigating a case of abuse of authority and theft of funds involving the reconstruction of Nigeria’s three largest refineries: Port Harcourt ($1.56 billion), Kaduna ($740.6 million), and Warri ($656.9 million).
As part of its investigation, the Commission has demanded certified true copies of the listed officials’ emoluments and allowances, both current and retired.
Those being investigated include 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 within the Commission confirmed that almost ₦80 billion was discovered in the personal accounts of one of the former refinery managing directors, triggering further arrests and forensic scrutiny.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the probe in a brief statement to Channels TV, saying, “There are ongoing investigations into the funds released for the rehabilitation of the Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.”
