The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has begun interrogating the immediate past Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, over allegations of financial impropriety linked to his tenure at the state-owned oil firm.
According to The PUNCH, reliable sources within the commission confirmed on Wednesday that Kyari was invited to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja to clarify issues surrounding multi-billion-dollar transactions, particularly funds meant for Nigeria’s refineries.
“He is with our investigators as we speak. The process is ongoing, and we will release details when appropriate,” a senior official at the anti-graft agency told our reporter under the condition of anonymity.
Kyari, who served as GMD from 2019 until his replacement in July 2024, had earlier been placed on the commission’s watchlist in connection with a $7.2 billion refinery turnaround maintenance project. The Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered the temporary freezing of four bank accounts linked to him, pending further investigations.
The EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, did not immediately respond to calls and messages seeking confirmation.
Industry observers note that Kyari’s leadership saw key changes in Nigeria’s oil sector, including the transition of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation into a limited liability company.
However, his administration also attracted criticism over alleged mismanagement and lack of transparency.
Speaking on the development, a civil society advocate for accountability in the oil sector, Ibrahim Olalekan, said the interrogation was long overdue.
“The petroleum industry has suffered decades of corruption. Nigerians deserve to know what happened to the billions set aside for refinery rehabilitation,” he said.
Another analyst, however, urged caution, noting that an invitation by the EFCC does not translate into guilt. “It is important the investigation runs its full course. The public should avoid rushing to conclusions until facts are established,” said energy policy expert, Dr. Grace Eke.
