Abuja, Nigeria – 12 July 2025
Public pressure is mounting for a thorough investigation into the former management and board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), led by Mele Kyari, as allegations of financial misconduct and economic sabotage continue to surface. Social media posts on X have highlighted growing frustration, with prominent voices urging the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take decisive action.
One such post by user @realkelvin07, shared on 11 July 2025, described it as a “travesty” if the former NNPCL leadership were allowed to evade scrutiny. The post demanded an investigation and recommendations for prosecution, reflecting a broader sentiment among Nigerians calling for accountability. “Send the letter!!” the user wrote, pressing for formal action.
The EFCC has reportedly initiated preliminary inquiries into Kyari and other executives, following petitions submitted earlier this year. On 23 April 2025, Fagbemi assured the public that Kyari would face investigation in response to these demands. A petition filed on 25 April by a group led by Barrister Ojonugwa Theophilus accused Kyari of misappropriating billions of dollars during his tenure, alongside allegations of tax evasion and abuse of office. Despite these claims, the group expressed disappointment over the EFCC’s delay in formally inviting Kyari for questioning.
Further reports indicate that the EFCC has requested records of allowances and emoluments from the NNPCL management, with a focus on 14 indicted executives, including Kyari. Civil society organisations have also warned against shielding Kyari, citing the expenditure of $2.9 billion on refinery repairs with little to show for it.
The controversy surrounding Kyari’s tenure has been compounded by the NNPCL’s recent strategic review of its refinery operations. On 11 July 2025, the current Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, revealed plans to potentially sell the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries due to ongoing operational challenges. This development has reignited debates about the management decisions made under Kyari’s leadership.
