Unveiled: Mele Kyari, Former NNPCL CEO, Under EFCC Investigation for Alleged Embezzlement
Investigation Launched by EFCC on Mele Kyari and 13 Other High-Ranking NNPC Officials Regarding Alleged Misuse of Budgeted Resources (Detailed Roster)
It's been revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating Mele Kyari, the ex-Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). According to our sources, the EFCC has also taken interest in thirteen other former senior executives of the oil giant over similar charges.
The EFCC's investigation focuses on the alleged mismanagement of funds during the refurbishment of Nigeria's refineries while Kyari was at the helm. The EFCC document, titled 'Investigation Activities: Request for Information', dated April 28, 2025, was sent to the current Group Managing Director of NNPCL.
Names on the list of those being investigated include Abubakar Yar'Adua, Umar Ajiya, Dikko Ahmed, Ibrahim Onoja, Ademoye Jelili, and Mustapha Sugungun. Others are Kayode Adetokunbo, Efiok Akpan, Babatunde Bakare, Jimoh Olasunkanmi, Bello Kankaya, Desmond Inyama, and a few others.
This document states that "The commission is investigating a case of abuse of office and misappropriation of funds in which the underlisted officials of your organisation featured."
As the investigation unfolds, the NNPCL’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, has remained tight-lipped about the matter, ignoring repeated inquiries from the media outlet leading the breaking news. This silence fuels suspicion and erodes public trust in the oil company, leading many to question its transparency.
Recent developments come on the backdrop of mounting criticism regarding NNPCL's management of the refineries under its control. The reports suggest that the $897 million refurbishment of the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company fell short of expectations, with the refinery still incapable of producing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) as of now.
Moreover, the newly renovated $1.5 billion Port Harcourt refinery is operating at just 37.87% of its production capacity, adding to the doubts about NNPCL's reassurances regarding rejuvenating Nigeria's refineries.
Quite disturbing is that the Warri Refinery, revived by NNPCL in December 2024, faced further setbacks due to safety concerns in its Crude Distillation Unit Main Heater, leading to its closure just a month after being declared operational. Although the NNPCL spent $897.6 million on maintenance costs for the refinery, it has not produced petrol yet.
An investigation conducted by Saturday Punch in January 2025 revealed that the NNPCL has been overstating production at WRPC, with actual activities being far less than when the refinery was operating at full capacity. However, the NNPCL has refuted these claims, asserting that production is indeed happening.
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- Amidst the EFCC's investigation into Mele Kyari, former NNPCL CEO, for alleged embezzlement, other ex-senior executives like Abubakar Yar'Adua and Kayode Adetokunbo are also under scrutiny.
- The General News section is abuzz with the ongoing EFCC investigation of the NNPCL, as it has been alleged that officials like Umar Ajiya and Dikko Ahmed mismanaged funds during refinery refurbishments.
- The Political landscape in Abuja is shifting, with the EFCC's investigation into Mele Kyari and the Reps (House of Representatives) questioning Tinubu's involvement in certain policy-and-legislation matters.
- The Crime-and-Justice sector is intensifying its focus on the allegations against Efiok Akpan and others, as the EFCC seeks to assert its authority over misappropriation of funds by NNPCL officials.
- The Petrochemical industry is under scrutiny following the EFCC's investigation into Mele Kyari and the $897 million refurbishment of the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company.
- Despite GTBank's assurances of transparency and integrity, the EFCC's detention of a social media influencer has raised concerns about free speech and digital rights in Nigeria.
- The PDP (People's Democratic Party) is facing internal tension, as some members, such as Udom Emmanuel and members of the BoT, are reportedly considering defecting to the APC following the EFCC's arrest of former Refinery MDs.
- In a surprising move, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has condemned the walkout on the Rivers Sole Administrator's wife, adding another layer to the general-news narrative of political drama in Nigeria.
