EFCC : Mele Kyari breaks silence, says I’ll account to Allah

Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has dismissed claims circulating that he was apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement shared late Saturday on his official X account, Kyari described the allegations as “clear mischief” and a “calculated attempt” aimed at tarnishing his image. He clarified that he is currently enjoying a “well-deserved rest” following the recent dissolution of the NNPCL board and management, and affirmed his readiness to respond to any legitimate investigations concerning his time in office.

Kyari’s clarification follows his removal alongside NNPCL board chairman, Pius Akinyelure, by President Bola Tinubu in April. The President subsequently named Bashir Ojulari as the new Group CEO, effective April 2, 2025.

“Over the past few days and in particular 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, EFCC,” Kyari wrote.

He further criticized the reports, alleging an orchestrated effort by the outlet and unnamed sponsors to achieve undisclosed objectives.

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

Reflecting on his 34-year career at NNPCL—almost six years of which he spent at the helm—Kyari maintained that he upheld integrity and transparency throughout his service, guided by accountability to both the nation and his faith.

“I must emphasize 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… I am happy to account for my stewardship in this world,” he declared.

He urged the media to uphold professional standards and cautioned that spreading unverified information could harm the nation’s reputation among international partners.

“The resort to disinformation does not serve anyone’s purpose, the NNPCL or the country in general, as it has the potential to send the wrong signals to investors and the international community,” Kyari warned.

Kyari expressed gratitude to those who reached out to him and reaffirmed his willingness to cooperate with any “lawful queries.”