By editor
Following an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of $2.9billion released for the rehabilitation of major refineries in the country,the Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has denied reports claiming he is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), .
Kyari made this known in a post on Saturday via his X account (formerly Twitter)
The former Oil Czar dismissed the reports as “clear mischief” and a calculated attempt by unnamed individuals to tarnish his reputation.
He said “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,” the 60-year-old wrote.
Kyari, who was removed from his position following a presidential directive dissolving the NNPCL board and management, said he is currently taking a “well-deserved rest” after years of demanding 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.
Kyari expressed willingness and happiness to account for his time in office, before Man and 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 public capacity, I am willing and happy to account for my stewardship in this world,”
He urged the media to exercise restraint and avoid spreading unverified claims, warning that disinformation could harm investor confidence and the country’s international reputation.
Kyari’s statement comes amid an ongoing probe of no fewer than 14 officials of the NNPC including Kyari and Abubakar Yar Adua by the EFCC over alleged misappropriation of funds linked to the rehabilitation of three major refineries in the country – The Port Harcourt Refinery,($1.56billion) , Kaduna ($740.6million), and Warri ($656.9million).
As part of the investigation, the Commission has requested certified true copies of emoluments and allowances of the listed officials, both serving and retired.
Those under scrutiny 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.
Reports indicate that over ₦80 billion was discovered in the personal accounts of one of the former refinery managing directors, prompting further arrests and forensic scrutiny.
President Bola Tinubu had on April 2, effected a change of leadership at the NNPCL board, the presidential directive, removed Kyari, Chairman Chief Pius Akinyelure, and several other directors from office.
They were replaced by Bashir Ojulari as the new Group CEO and Ahmadu Kida as Non-Executive Chairman.
