Former NNPC CEO Mele Kyari Detained by EFCC Over Alleged Financial Misconduct
High-profile arrest shakes Nigeria’s oil sector
Mele Kyari, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd, is currently being questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of financial impropriety.
Details of the detention
According to reliable sources, Kyari was taken into EFCC custody on Friday, May 2, and may remain detained throughout the weekend. The former NNPC boss is being investigated alongside several other top officials who were recently removed from their positions.
The anti-graft agency is reportedly examining allegations of fund misappropriation and financial abuse during Kyari’s tenure at the state oil company. While EFCC officials have remained tight-lipped about the investigation, a leaked letter to the new NNPC GCEO has surfaced, requesting detailed information about emoluments and allowances of 14 current and former officials.
Wider investigation into NNPC officials
The EFCC’s investigation extends beyond Kyari to include several other high-ranking NNPC officials:
- Mustapha Magaji Sugungun
- Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua
- Kayode Olusegun Adetokunbo
- Efiok Michael Akpan
- And several other former executives
New NNPC leadership initiates reforms
The current investigation comes amid significant changes at NNPC under new leadership. Recently appointed GCEO Bayo Ojulari has begun implementing reforms, including the removal of managing directors at Nigeria’s major refineries in Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt.
These moves aim to address longstanding issues of inefficiency and financial mismanagement in Nigeria’s oil sector. Under Kyari’s leadership, NNPC reportedly spent billions of dollars on refinery maintenance with limited results.
Background: Kyari’s removal
President Bola Tinubu removed Mele Kyari as NNPC GCEO in 2023, appointing Bayo Ojulari as his replacement. The presidential decision also involved replacing all board members appointed during the same period.
The new NNPC administration has formed an assessment team to evaluate refinery operations and make recommendations for improvement, signaling a potential overhaul of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure management.
Source: Legit.ng