Anti-Mele Kyari protest hits Saudi embassy in Abuja

DDM News

A massive demonstration erupted outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Abuja on Thursday as over a thousand Nigerians demanded a travel ban on former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) boss, Mallam Mele Kyari.

In the second paragraph of their protest message, the group, mobilized under the banner of the Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria, received widespread coverage by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), which reported on the growing tension and calls for international accountability.

The protesters, comprising a diverse coalition of professionals including lawyers, doctors, and engineers, accused Kyari of attempting to flee Nigeria to evade justice.

The group urged the Saudi authorities to immediately deny Kyari a visa and deport him if found within the Kingdom’s territory.

Their petition described Kyari as a fugitive from justice who is using the Kingdom as a possible hideout from Nigerian anti-corruption agencies.

The demonstration was led by Barrister Sambari Benjamin, the forum’s Convener, and Comrade John Ndubuokwu, its Organizing Secretary.

Both leaders submitted a formal petition to officials of the Saudi Embassy located in Abuja’s affluent Maitama district.

Addressing the press, Barrister Sambari said the group had reliable intelligence that Kyari was planning to escape to Saudi Arabia to avoid facing prosecution in Nigeria.

He noted that the move appeared to be part of a broader strategy to evade investigation by Nigerian anti-graft agencies.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are both reportedly probing Kyari’s activities during his time at the helm of NNPCL.

The forum’s petition, made public during the protest, appealed to Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic mission to uphold justice and reject Kyari’s alleged bid for sanctuary.

“We, the Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria, write not only as patriotic citizens but as defenders of our nation’s moral integrity,” the petition read.

The document called on Saudi Arabia to act decisively in alignment with its reputation as a leader in the Islamic world.

It emphasized the importance of showing zero tolerance for corruption by preventing sanctuary for individuals accused of economic sabotage.

Protesters waved placards with inscriptions such as “No Safe Haven for Looters” and “Saudi Arabia Must Not Shelter Corrupt Nigerians.”

Some protesters accused Kyari of using his position at NNPCL to enrich himself at the nation’s expense.

Others accused him of institutional betrayal and economic crimes that have worsened Nigeria’s economic crisis.

They claimed that Kyari’s presence in any foreign nation, especially a respected one like Saudi Arabia, would stain the country’s image and contradict its anti-corruption principles.

Barrister Sambari further warned that allowing Kyari to find refuge abroad would set a dangerous precedent for other public officials.

He said it would embolden those looting public funds to evade justice by running to foreign nations.

“We are here to ensure that Nigeria’s dignity is not sold off,” Sambari said passionately.

He insisted that Saudi Arabia must reaffirm its global commitment against financial crimes by rejecting Kyari’s asylum bid.

The Young Professionals Forum vowed to continue its protests across various embassies if their demands were not taken seriously.

They also announced plans to petition other Gulf states to prevent Kyari from relocating anywhere within the region.

The protest adds to the growing wave of civic actions targeted at former Nigerian public officials accused of corruption.

Observers say the event could signal the start of a broader campaign to stop alleged looters from escaping justice through international travel.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will continue monitoring this developing story, particularly any official response from the Saudi Embassy or the Nigerian government.

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