Mele Kyari, The former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), has firmly denied reports suggesting he is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Describing the claims as “mischievous” and “calculated disinformation,” Kyari emphasized that he is currently on a well earned rest following the recent dissolution of the NNPC management and board.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Kyari addressed the wave of concern sparked by the reports, stating, “Over the past few days, and particularly in the past two hours, I have been inundated with calls from family and friends over claims by an online newspaper that I was in EFCC custody. This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only they know.”
The EFCC has reportedly closed investigations into the alleged unlawful payment of severance benefits to Kyari and NNPC’s Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya, citing a lack of evidence. Sources within NNPC indicated that the anti-graft agency dismissed the claims as “untrue and baseless,” prompting the suspension of further probes into the matter.
Amidst these developments, a coalition of 92 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has rallied in support of Kyari, urging President Bola Tinubu to resist efforts aimed at undermining Kyari’s contributions to the Nigerian economy. The coalition, represented by the Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption, highlighted Kyari’s emphasis on transparency and accountability, stating that his achievements far outweigh the allegations against him.
Kyari has also expressed frustration over what he perceives as targeted media attacks on his person and the NNPC. During a recent appearance before an ad hoc Senate committee probing the alleged importation of substandard petroleum products, he stated, “Let me be specific… all of us see what is happening in the media targeted personal attack on my person, on the institution, and we all know how this works.”
