Unmasking the Truth: Mele Kyari Speaks Out on EFCC Custody Rumors
"Ex-NNPC Boss Mele Kyari discusses his 'EFCC Detainment' in candid terms - 'Undeniably Nefarious Act'"
Navigating the murky waters of Nigeria's oil industry, former Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has set the record straight regarding unfounded claims of his detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a candid late-night post via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Kyari dismissed the explosive reports as a "shrewd ploy intended to misrepresent facts and blemish his reputation."
"Over the past few days, and especially in the past two hours, I have been faced with a barrage of queries from worried family and friends, spurred by a sensationalist online newspaper alleging my arrest by the EFCC," Kyari penned.
"This is nothing but a wicked scheme perpetrated by the newspaper and its backers with the malicious intent of swaying public opinion, the purpose of which only they are privy to," he added emphatically.
Describing his current state as a well-deserved rest following his momentous career spanning over three decades with the NNPCL, including nearly six years as the Group CEO, Kyari underscored his commitment to transparency and accountability.
"I served with unwavering integrity, aware that as a Muslim, I must ultimately answer to Allah for my actions," he stated firmly.
"I am, however, prepared to account for my stewardship when summoned, as I have always believed that full disclosure is the key to innocence," he continued, echoing the familiar adage.
Kyari also cautioned against the dangerous ramifications of spreading unsubstantiated rumors, warning they could jeopardize Nigeria's reputation in the eyes of global investors, particularly at a critical juncture when attracting foreign capital is paramount.
"Resorting to disinformation serves no one’s interests, least of all the NNPCL or the country at large, as it has the potential to generate misleading signals for investors and the international community," he stressed.
Our website reports that President Bola Tinubu ousted Kyari alongside the NNPCL Board Chairman, Pius Akinyelure, in April this year. Tinubu subsequently appointed Bashir Ojulari as the new Group CEO, effective April 2, 2025.
Intriguingly, Kyari's departure coincides with an EFCC investigation into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of funds involving him and 13 other current/former NNPCL officials[1]. The EFCC's probe extends to key figures, with N80 billion reportedly uncovered in accounts linked to NNPCL executives[1].
This scandal unfolds amid a broader anti-corruption drive led by Tinubu, who has mandated management staff with less than one year to retirement to vacate their posts immediately[1]. The search for replacements for the axed refinery heads continues.
Stay tuned for updates on this captivating saga enveloping Nigeria’s oil industry.
- Mele Kyari, despite rumors of his detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), asserted that the allegations against him are merely a strategy to misrepresent facts and harm his reputation.
- In his statement, Kyari revealed that he is currently enjoying a well-deserved rest after an illustrious career of nearly three decades with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), including a nearly six-year tenure as its Group CEO.
- Kyari expressed his commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that he served with unwavering integrity, aware that he would one day have to answer to Allah for his actions.
- The former NNPCL CEO cautioned against the spreading of unsubstantiated rumors, warning that it could potentially harm Nigeria's reputation with foreign investors, especially at a critical time when attracting foreign capital is essential.
- The unfolding scandal involves an EFCC investigation into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of funds involving Kyari and 13 other current/former NNPCL officials, with a reported 80 billion naira found in accounts linked to NNPCL executives.
- This investigation is taking place during a broader anti-corruption drive led by President Bola Tinubu, who has mandated management staff with less than one year to retirement to vacate their posts and is searching for replacements for the axed refinery heads.
