EFCC probes Mele Kyari, 13 NNPCL executives

DDM News

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated an investigation into Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), along with thirteen other senior officials of the corporation.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), this was revealed through a confidential EFCC document titled ‘Investigation Activities: Request for Information’, dated April 28, 2025, which was obtained by Punch on Friday.

The document, addressed to the current Group Managing Director of NNPCL, requests the submission of certified true copies of the emoluments and allowances of the officials named, including those who have already retired.

Among those listed in the document are Abubakar Yar’Adua, Isiaka Abdulrazak, Umar Ajiya, Dikko Ahmed, Ibrahim Onoja, Ademoye Jelili, Mustapha Sugungun, Kayode Adetokunbo, Efiok Akpan, Babatunde Bakare, Jimoh Olasunkanmi, Bello Kankaya, and Desmond Inyama.

These individuals are under investigation for alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds during their tenure at NNPCL.

The EFCC claims that these officials were involved in financial dealings that may have contributed to the inefficiencies affecting Nigeria’s oil sector.

As part of its investigation, the EFCC has requested full financial records from NNPCL in an effort to trace any irregular transactions and hold accountable those responsible.

Despite the severity of the situation, Olufemi Soneye, the NNPCL spokesperson, has declined to comment on the matter, refusing to respond to numerous media inquiries.

This refusal to comment has fueled public concern, with many speculating that it may be an attempt to protect the corporation from further scrutiny.

This investigation comes amid increasing criticism of NNPCL’s management of Nigeria’s refineries, particularly regarding their rehabilitation and operational performance.

Earlier, NNPCL had pledged to revitalize the national oil sector by investing billions of dollars to upgrade refining capacities.

In December 2024, after spending approximately $897 million on maintenance, NNPCL declared the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) operational.

However, just weeks later, the refinery was shut down due to significant safety issues in its Crude Distillation Unit Main Heater.

Reports from Punch also revealed that, despite the considerable financial investment, the WRPC failed to produce petrol, contradicting NNPCL’s earlier claims.

A January 2025 investigation also found that refinery activities were minimal, contrary to NNPCL’s assertion that production was in full swing.

The Port Harcourt refinery has also attracted criticism.

After a $1.5 billion renovation, the refinery operates at less than 38 percent of its full production capacity.

This underperformance has cast doubt on the government’s promises that refinery rehabilitation would reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products.

The ongoing investigation by the EFCC is expected to intensify scrutiny of NNPCL’s operational transparency and reignite national debates about corruption within Nigeria’s oil industry.

With fuel prices soaring and foreign exchange shortages, the demand for greater accountability in the energy sector has never been more urgent.

NNPCL, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic structure, was restructured from a state-run body into a limited liability company under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021.

The reform was intended to enhance operational efficiency, attract investment, and ensure greater corporate accountability.

However, persistent controversies have raised doubts about the effectiveness of this transformation.

All eyes are now on the EFCC to see whether its investigation will lead to justice and much needed reform within the country’s oil sector.

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