Mele Kyari Breaks Silence on EFCC Claim, Denounces Malicious Report

Mele Kyari Breaks Silence on EFCC Claim, Denounces Malicious Report

Mele Kyari, the former head of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), has dismissed online reports that claimed he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In a strongly worded statement, Kyari said he is not in EFCC custody and has not been invited for questioning.

Instead, Kyari said he is taking a long-overdue rest after the recent shake-up in NNPC’s leadership. The presidency had dissolved the NNPC Ltd board and removed Kyari from his post as the Group Chief Executive Officer, along with other executives.

“I’m currently enjoying a well-deserved rest,” Kyari posted on his verified X handle on Saturday night. He made it clear he is not under arrest or hiding from any law enforcement agency.

Mele Kyari’s post came after an online publication alleged that he had been picked up by the EFCC. The article quickly went viral, leading to a flood of calls and messages from concerned friends and family. Kyari sa

id the report was baseless and harmful.

“Over the past few days, and especially in the past two hours, I have been overwhelmed with calls from family and friends over false claims that I was in EFCC custody,” Kyari wrote. “This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only they know.”

The former NNPC boss described the report as an act of disinformation. He said such stories can damage Nigeria’s image and scare away investors. According to him, these kinds of reports should be verified before being published.

Kyari took time to reflect on his 34-year career at the NNPC. Out of those years, he spent 17 in top management, with nearly six of them as GCEO. He thanked the Nigerian government and the two presidents he served under—Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu—for trusting him with the job.

“I served not only my country but also God. I am happy to account for my stewardship,” Kyari said. “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.”

He stated that public servants should be open to scrutiny and willing to explain their actions. Kyari said he has no fear of accountability and would respond to any lawful investigation.

“I am available to respond to all lawful queries,” he said. “It is better to account to man than to stand before God with secrets.”

Kyari warned media organisations to be cautious and avoid publishing unverified reports. He stressed that wrong information spreads quickly and can cause lasting damage.

“It is in this regard that I urge the media to be circumspect and avoid being stampeded into misleading the public on unverified stories or matters that are subject of further validation by relevant organisations,” he added.

He ended his statement by thanking those who reached out with concern. He assured them he is safe, free, and not under any investigation or restriction at the moment.

However, Kyari’s name did appear in a letter reportedly sent by the EFCC to the NNPC management. The letter, dated April 28, requested salary and allowance records of 14 current and former officials of NNPC Ltd. Among the names listed were Mele Kyari and another former chief executive, Abubakar Yar’Adua.

PREMIUM TIMES, the media outlet that first reported the EFCC probe, said the investigation covers allegations of abuse of office and misuse of public funds. It is unclear whether the EFCC has directly contacted Kyari or invited him for questioning.

Kyari did not confirm or deny if he was aware of the EFCC’s letter or whether he was cooperating with the investigation. But his post suggested he was open to answering any lawful request.

Last month, President Bola Tinubu approved major changes at the NNPC Ltd. He dissolved the entire board and appointed new leadership. Bayo Ojulari became the new Group Chief Executive Officer, and Ahmadu Kida took over as the non-executive chairman.

The sudden leadership overhaul followed months of public complaints about fuel scarcity, rising energy costs, and calls for better transparency in the oil sector. Many Nigerians welcomed the decision, hoping it would bring in fresh reforms.

Since his removal, Kyari has kept a low profile. His recent statement is the first public comment he has made since stepping down. He used the opportunity to defend his record and reject any claim that he was being detained.

Kyari’s tenure at the NNPC saw several transformations, including the transition of the corporation into a limited liability company. He led negotiations with international oil firms and oversaw the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act. However, he also faced criticism over fuel subsidy policies, transparency issues, and rising public distrust.

Although the EFCC has not publicly stated that Kyari is a suspect or invited for questioning, his name in the letter suggests he could be asked to answer questions in the coming days. Until then, Kyari says he remains a free man and is willing to account for his years in public service.

Nigerians are watching closely to see how this investigation unfolds. The oil industry has long been seen as a sector plagued by corruption. Any sign of accountability, even if just symbolic, could signal a new chapter in how public officials are treated after leaving office.

For now, Kyari says he is calm, relaxed, and open to scrutiny. And as he puts it, he has nothing to hide from either man or God.

• 
  Health

  Understanding Human Metapneumovirus: A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
• 
  Business and Economy

  BoI Disburses N2.25bn to Gombe MSMEs in Tinubu’s Economic Push
• 
  Education

  University of Abuja : Special Institutions targeted by the Nigerian Government to supply a 24-Hour Internet and Power Supply.