In recent hours, reports have circulated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating former executives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd).
The anti-graft agency is the executive alongside the recently dismissed managing directors of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, over the alleged misappropriation of approximately $2.96 billion allocated for the rehabilitation of the facilities.
The EFCC is said to have launched a probe into allegations of abuse of office and misappropriation of funds involving several former top officials of NNPC Ltd, including two former Group Chief Executive Officers (GCEOs), Mele Kyari and Abubakar Yar’Adua.
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The news has sparked significant discussion across social media, with many Nigerians calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into the alleged diversion of public funds.
Reacting to reports that he is currently in the custody of the anti-graft agency, Kyari denied the claims via a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
He refuted the allegations, stating that he served not only his country but also with a deep sense of accountability to God.
“I served with the fear of God,” Kyari wrote. “I am happy to account for my stewardship.”
He also noted that he is presently enjoying a well-deserved rest following the recent dissolution of NNPC Ltd’s management and board.
He wrote: “Over the past few days and in particular in the past 2 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 Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only them know.
“It should be stated that having served the NNPC and the NNPCL for 34 years, and 17 of those in management roles and especially the last 5 years and 9 months, I had little time for leave of even two weeks. So, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve under their Excellencies Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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“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, 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.
“However, it is important to state that the resort to disinformation does not serve anyones purpose, the NNPCL or the country in General, as it has the potential to send the wrong signals to investors and the international community.
“It is in this regard that I urge the media to be circumspect and avoid being stampeded into misleading the public on unverified stories or matters that are subject of further validation by relevant organizations. I sincerely thank my family and friends who have reached out to me or tried to do so and assure them that I am available to respond to all lawful queries.”
