Mele Kyari Denies Being Detained By EFCC Over $2.9 Billion NNPCL Probe

Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has denied reports that he’s in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of $2.9 billion meant for refinery repairs.

In a post shared on his official X page (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Mele Kyari described the reports as false and accused certain individuals of trying to damage his name.

“Over the past few days, and particularly in the past two hours, I have been inundated with calls from concerned family and friends over claims by an online newspaper that I was in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

“This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only they know,” he wrote.

Kyari, who was recently removed from his role after President Bola Tinubu dissolved NNPCL’s board and management, said he’s currently taking time off after decades of service in the oil sector.

He added, “It should be stated that having served the NNPC and the NNPCL for 34 years—17 of those in management roles, and especially the last 5 years and 9 months—I had little time for leave, even for two weeks.”

Mele Kyari firmly maintained that he has nothing to hide and is ready to explain his actions, both to the authorities and, ultimately, to God.

“I must emphasise that I served with the fear of God, knowing fully well as a Muslim that if I do not account before man, I will account before Allah.

“Having served in public capacity, I am willing and happy to account for my stewardship in this world,” he stated.

He also urged journalists and news outlets to verify their reports before publishing, warning that false stories can hurt investor confidence and damage Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage.

Mele Kyari’s reaction comes as the EFCC continues its investigation into corruption at NNPCL, which reportedly involves at least 14 top officials, including Kyari and former CEO Abubakar Yar’Adua.