Former boss of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, has denied rumours that he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Kyari made this known in a statement shared late Saturday on his X handle, where he described the reports as “clear mischief” and “a calculated attempt” to damage his name.
“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,” he wrote.
He stated that the reports were false and made up by people with hidden intentions.
“This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only them know,” he said.
Kyari also said he is currently taking a “well-deserved rest” after the federal government removed him and the board of NNPCL in April. President Bola Tinubu had replaced him with Bashir Ojulari as the new Group CEO, starting from April 2, 2025.
Kyari, who served in NNPCL for 34 years and spent nearly six years as the head, said he performed his duties with honesty and respect for both the law and his religious beliefs.
“I must emphasize 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… I am happy to account for my stewardship in this world,” he said.
He urged the media to be more responsible and warned that such fake stories could harm Nigeria’s image globally.
“The resort to disinformation does not serve anyone’s purpose, the NNPCL or the country in general, as it has the potential to send the wrong signals to investors and the international community,” Kyari added.
He thanked friends and family for checking on him and said he is ready to answer any legal questions about his time in office.
