EFCC Probes Former NNPLC GMD Mele Kyari, Others for Alleged Fund Mismanagement

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently investigating at least 14 officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The EFCC is probing the NNPCL officials including two former top executives, Mele Kyari and Abubakar Yar’Adua, for alleged misuse of public funds and abuse of office.

A letter dated April 28, 2025, from the EFCC to the NNPCL’s Group Managing Director requested official records of salaries and benefits for both current and retired staff under investigation.

The letter, titled “Investigation Activities Request for Information,” with reference number CR:3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/SDC.2/NNPC/VOL.1/698, read in part, “The Commission is investigating a case of Abuse of Office and Misappropriation of Funds in which the under-listed officials of your organisation featured.

“In view of the above, you are kindly requested to furnish certified true copies of their emoluments and allowances, including that of those who have retired and no longer work with your organisation.”

Those under scrutiny include former GCEO Mele Kyari, Abubakar Yar’Adua, and other officials like Ibrahim Onoja, Mustapha Magaji Sugungun, Isiaka Abdulrazak, Umar Ajiya, Dikko Ahmed, Ademoye Adeniyi Jelili, Kayode Adetokunbo, Efiok Michael Akpan, Jimoh Olasunkanmi, Bello Kankaya, and Desmond Inyama.

The investigation is focused on how funds meant for the rehabilitation of three refineries—Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna—were used.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that a probe is underway but did not reveal additional details.

“There are ongoing investigations into the funds released for the rehabilitation of the Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt refineries,” Oyewale said.

KanyiDaily recalls that in April, President Bola Tinubu approved a shake-up of the NNPCL board, removing both Chairman Pius Akinyelure and GCEO Mele Kyari, along with others appointed in November 2023..