Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr. Mele Kyari, has said he is fully prepared to account for his stewardship as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission deepens its probe into alleged financial misconduct involving several former officials of the national oil company.
Kyari, who served as GCEO from 2019 until his removal on April 2, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu, made the statement via a post on his X handle.
He affirmed that he served the country “with the fear of God” and dismissed reports suggesting he was in EFCC custody as false and misleading.
“I served not only my country but also God. I am happy to account for my stewardship,” he wrote. “Over the past few days and in particular 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 EFCC. This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only they know.”
Kyari said he is currently on a “well-deserved rest” following the dissolution of the NNPCL board and management, noting that he had little time for leave during his 34 years of service—17 of which were in management roles, including nearly six years as GCEO.
“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, and that I am better off accounting to the institutions of man. Therefore, having served in public capacity, I am willing and happy to account for my stewardship in this world,” he added.
His comments come amid an ongoing EFCC investigation into allegations of abuse of office and financial mismanagement. Alongside Kyari, former Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajiya and 12 other former officials are under scrutiny for their roles in the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries, which reportedly consumed nearly $3 billion.
Others under investigation include former NNPC Group Managing Director Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua; dismissed Port Harcourt refinery MD Ibrahim Onoja; ex-Nigerian Gas Company and Warri refinery MD Babatunde Bakare; and Dikko Ahmed, former head of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries. Additional individuals listed include Isiaka Abdulrazaq, Ademoye Adeniji Jelili, Mustapha Magaji Sugungun, Kayode Olusegun Adetokunbo, Efiok Michael Akpan, and Jimoh Olasunkanmi.
Also named in EFCC inquiries are Bello Kankaya and NNPC audit manager Desmond Inyamah. This follows the reported dismissal of over 200 staff, including the company’s Chief Health Safety and Environment Officer, Mr. Bala Wunti, and Chief Compliance Officer, Lawal Sade.
Kyari warned that “disinformation” such as false media reports can damage the country’s image and undermine investor confidence. He urged the media to exercise caution and avoid spreading unverified information that could harm national interests.
