Former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, don finally talk him mind after EFCC grill am over serious financial allegations. Di anti-graft agency invite Kyari to their Abuja headquarters on Wednesday to answer questions about alleged misappropriation of funds during his time as NNPCL boss. Di investigation dey focus on suspicious inflows wey reach ₦661 million and link to four Jaiz Bank accounts connected to Kyari.
Kyari arrive EFCC office around 2:15 p.m. and talk briefly to journalists before entering. He say, “I have done my part; the EFCC must do theirs. When each of us does our duty without fear or favour, with honour, respect and commitment, Nigeria moves forward”. Di EFCC dey probe him for conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering, especially funds wey dem claim suppose go for refinery maintenance but end up inside private accounts.
Court documents show say two of di frozen accounts dey in Kyari name, while di other two belong to Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief, one NGO wey EFCC say Kyari dey control through family members acting as fronts. Di Federal High Court for Abuja don freeze di accounts for 30 days, with option to renew, after EFCC file ex parte motion to secure di order.
Di investigation start after one civic group, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, submit petition on April 24, accuse Kyari of diverting public funds and breaching trust. EFCC say dem trace suspicious inflows from NNPCL and oil companies wey disguise as donations for book launch and NGO funding. Di agency never confirm if charges go follow, but dem talk say probe still dey ongoing.
Kyari, wey lead NNPCL through major transition from government entity to commercial company, leave office in July 2025 after President Tinubu dissolve di board. As Nigerians dey watch closely, di outcome of EFCC investigation fit shape future of anti-corruption efforts inside oil sector. Di matter go return to court on September 23 for status update on di frozen accounts.
