EFCC Detains Former NNPC CEO Mele Kyari in $2.9 Billion Refinery Fund Probe
Anti-graft agency investigates alleged misappropriation in Nigeria’s oil sector
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken into custody Mele Kyari, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), as part of an expanding corruption investigation.
Authorities detained Kyari on Friday, and sources indicate he will remain in EFCC custody throughout the weekend while investigators pursue their inquiries.
Focus on Refinery Rehabilitation Funds
At the heart of the investigation is the controversial $2.896 billion allocated for rehabilitating Nigeria’s three major refineries:
- Port Harcourt Refining Company
- Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company
- Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company
Despite these substantial investments, the refineries continue to operate far below capacity, raising serious questions about fund utilization.
Wider Investigation Underway
EFCC sources reveal the probe extends to multiple high-ranking officials, including:
- Former managing directors of the refineries
- Current and former NNPCL executives
The anti-corruption agency has formally requested comprehensive financial records from NNPCL, including salary details and allowances of individuals under scrutiny.
Discovery of Suspicious Funds
The investigation gained momentum after authorities discovered approximately N80 billion in personal accounts linked to one of the sacked managing directors.
This development follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent dismissal of Kyari and appointment of Bayo Ojulari as the new NNPCL CEO.
For more details, read the original report: BusinessDay Nigeria