Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has denied rumors claiming that he is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement released late Saturday through his X (formerly Twitter) account, Kyari referred to the allegations as “mischievous” and part of a deliberate effort to damage his reputation. He clarified that he is currently taking some time off following the recent dissolution of the NNPCL board and his exit from the leadership role.
Kyari expressed his willingness to cooperate with any legitimate investigation regarding his tenure at NNPCL.
In April, President Bola Tinubu dismissed Kyari and the NNPCL board chairman, Pius Akinyelure. Bashir Ojulari was subsequently appointed as the new Group CEO, taking office on April 2, 2025.
Kyari revealed that, in recent days, he had received multiple calls from concerned friends and relatives who had seen an online report claiming that he was being held by the EFCC. He dismissed the report as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, urging the media to be responsible in its reporting.
Kyari, who served 34 years at NNPCL, including nearly six years as its CEO, emphasized his record of integrity and accountability. He stated, “I carried out my responsibilities with the understanding that while I may not answer to man, I must answer to Allah. I am fully prepared to account for my actions.”
Kyari also cautioned against the spread of false information, warning that it could damage the country’s reputation and deter foreign investment. He thanked those who reached out and assured the public of his openness to respond to any lawful inquiry.
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