By Charles Pemu 
In a dramatic turn of events amid sweeping investigations into Nigeria’s oil sector, former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has declared his willingness to face public and institutional scrutiny, stating that he is “ready to give account” of his stewardship spanning over three decades.
In a solemn but defiant message posted to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Kyari, who was relieved of his duties on April 2, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu said, he served “not only the nation, but also God,” emphasizing that he has nothing to hide.
“I am happy to account for my stewardship… I served with the fear of God, knowing fully well that if I do not account before man, I will surely account before Allah,” he wrote.
Kyari’s remarks come on the heels of intensified investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into alleged financial impropriety, abuse of office, and mismanagement of billions of dollars earmarked for refinery rehabilitation and other national oil projects.
The EFCC’s probe reportedly encompasses Kyari, former Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajiya, and at least a dozen other high-ranking NNPC officials, including past executives linked to Nigeria’s underperforming refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna—projects that collectively absorbed close to $3 billion with little to show.
Names on the commission’s radar include:
- Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua, former Group Managing Director
- Ibrahim Onoja, recently sacked MD of Port Harcourt Refinery
- Babatunde Bakare and Dikko Ahmed, ex-MDs of Warri and Gas Company
- Isiaka Abdulrazaq, ex-Group Executive Director and CFO
- As well as several others tied to finance, auditing, and compliance functions.
The wide-reaching inquiry also follows a mass purge at NNPCL that saw over 200 senior staff dismissed, including Chief Compliance Officer Lawal Sade and Chief Health, Safety and Environment Officer Bala Wunti.
Kyari: ‘I Am Not in EFCC Custody’
Responding to widespread speculation that he had been arrested or detained by the EFCC, Kyari called such reports “mischievous” and “a calculated attempt” to damage his reputation.
“I have been inundated with calls… There is no truth to the claim that I am in custody. I am currently taking a long-overdue rest after the dissolution of the NNPCL board,” he clarified.
Kyari, who served as NNPC boss from 2019 to 2025, highlighted that during his nearly 35 years of service—18 in senior management, including the top post—he barely took time off, working under the administrations of Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu.
While vowing to cooperate with any legitimate investigation, Kyari warned that the media frenzy and premature judgments could send dangerous signals to international investors and jeopardize confidence in Nigeria’s strategic oil and gas industry.
“Resorting to disinformation benefits no one. It could damage the image of the NNPC and the country at large,” he cautioned, calling for restraint and responsible journalism.
What Comes Next?
Sources within the Tinubu administration reportedly remain adamant that any official found culpable will be made to face prosecution, with strong pressure mounting to hold former executives accountable for alleged financial recklessness and resource mismanagement during Nigeria’s most critical energy reforms.
As Kyari readies himself for potential interrogation, the nation watches closely. Will Nigeria finally lift the veil on years of opaque oil dealings? Or will yet another high-profile scandal fade into the background?