EFCC probes Kyari, ex-NNPCL GCEO, others over alleged mismanagement of funds, abuse of office

*Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission affirms the ongoing investigation of Mele Kyari, ex-Group CEO of NNPC Limited, and others is in connection with billions of Dollars earmarked for rehabilitating the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna oil refineries 

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to the alleged mismanagement of funds by the past leadership of the state oil firm, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation involving about 14 officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

The EFCC, in a letter to NNPCL, disclosed the probe involves, two former Chief Executives, Malam Mele Kyari and Abubakar Yar’Adua, among others.

ConsumerConnect reports Dele Oyewale, Spokesman of the Commission, stated “there are ongoing investigations into the funds released for the rehabilitation of the Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.”

It was also gathered the EFCC, in a letter dated April 28, 2025, addressed to the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, had requested a certified true copy of the emoluments and allowances of the affected persons, both former and current employees.

The letter titled, “Investigation Activities Request for Information,” with reference number CR:3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/SDC.2/NNPC/VOL.1/698, noted: “The Commission is investigating a case of Abuse of Office and Misappropriation of Funds in which the under-listed officials of your organisation featured.

“In view of the above, you are kindly requested to furnish certified true copies of their emoluments and allowances, including that of those who have retired and no longer work with your organisation.”

It also stated: “The affected persons listed by the EFCC include a former Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kolo Kyari; Ibrahim Onoja; Mustapha Magaji Sugungun; Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua; Isiaka Abdulrazak; Umar Ajiya; Dikko Ahmed; and Ademoye Adeniyi Jelili.

Others are Kayode Olusegun Adetokunbo, Efiok Michael Akpan, Jimoh Olasunkanmi, Bello Kankaya, and Desmond Inyama.

Confirming the ongoing investigation of Kyari and others, the Commission said it was in connection with billions of Dollars allotted to rehabilitating the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited, Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company, and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals Company respectively.

In a recent appearance on a Channels TV programme, Oyewale as well confirmed a probe is ongoing.

The Spokesman of the Commission said: “There are ongoing investigations into the funds released for the rehabilitation of the Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently approved the reconstitution of the NNPCL Limited Board, removing Chief Pius Akinyelure, the Chairman, and Malam Kyari, Group CEO.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Spokesman, in a statement, noted President Tinubu removed all other Board members appointed with Akinyelure and Kyari November 2023.

The new 11-man board has Engineer Bashir Ojulari as the Group CEO and Ahmadu Kida as Non-Executive Chairman.

Adedapo Segun, who replaced Umaru Ajiya as the Chief Financial Officer last November, was appointed to the new Board by President Tinubu.

Six board members, Non-Executive Directors, represent the country’s geopolitical zones.

The President, invoking the powers granted under Section 59, subsection 2 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

The President emphasised that the Board’s restructuring was crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, restoring investor confidence, boosting local content, driving economic growth, and advancing gas commercialisation and diversification.

President Tinubu also directed the new Board of NNPCL to conduct a strategic portfolio review of NNPC-operated and joint venture assets to ensure alignment with value maximisation objectives.