Lawyers Group Defends Mele Kyari, Calls EFCC Probe a “Smear Campaign”
Legal Professionals Rally Behind Former NNPC Chief
A coalition of legal experts under the banner Lawyers in Defence of Democracy has come to the defense of former NNPC Group CEO Mele Kyari, labeling the ongoing EFCC investigation as politically motivated.
Transparency Legacy Under Scrutiny
Barrister Ndu Edede, the group’s Deputy National Coordinator, stated that Kyari’s tenure from 2019 to 2025 represented “one of the most transparent” leadership periods in NNPC’s history. The group maintains any genuine investigation would clear the former oil chief of wrongdoing.
“The former GMD/GCEO midwifed the Petroleum Industry Act which transformed NNPC and Nigeria’s entire oil sector,” Edede emphasized. “Under his watch, we saw oil production rebound to nearly 2 million barrels daily, refinery revitalization projects commence, and the landmark Dangote Refinery become operational.”
EFCC Investigation Details
The EFCC’s probe, initiated through an April 28, 2025 letter (Reference: CR:3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/SDC.2/NNPC/VOL.1/698), targets 14 former NNPC officials including Kyari and Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua. The investigation focuses on alleged abuse of office and fund misappropriation.
Defense of Kyari’s Record
The legal group warned against what they characterize as an “orchestrated campaign” to undermine Kyari’s achievements. They highlighted his pivotal role in implementing the fuel subsidy removal policy, which redirected funds to critical national development projects.
“Kyari served Nigeria with the fear of God and remains willing to account for his stewardship,” Edede quoted. “This is the statement of a man with nothing to conceal. We urge the EFCC to exercise caution to avoid perceptions of a witch hunt.”
Potential Consequences
The lawyers cautioned that unfair treatment of Kyari could demoralize public servants and deter the reform-oriented leadership Nigeria’s oil sector desperately needs. They called for strict adherence to due process in the investigation.
Full credit to the original publisher: The Guardian