Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari, has revealed that he is not being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Two groups last two weeks separately called for Kyari’s investigation into his tenure as Group Chief Executive of the NPC Ltd
The first group led by one Kabir Matazu had protested at the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice while the second group made mainly of lawyers stormed the EFCC national headquarters in protest where it submitted a petition against Kyari.
The groups accused Kyari of among other things lack of transparency, inflation of Turn Around Maintenance contract fee, demanding that he be arrested, investigated and if found wanting be jailed.
But Kyari has describing the reports and the allegations as “mischievous” and “calculated disinformation.”
In a statement issued following a wave of concern sparked by the reports, and which was shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Kyari said the claims were deliberately designed to achieve an unknown agenda and urged the public to treat them with scepticism.
According to him, he has not been detained and is currently taking a well-earned rest following the recent dissolution of the NNPCL management and board.
“Over the past few days, and particularly in the past two hours, I have been inundated with calls from family and friends over claims by an online newspaper that I was in EFCC custody.
“This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only they know,” he said.
Kyari served the national oil company for 34 years—17 of which were in management roles, including five years and nine months as chief executive
He said he rarely had time for even a two-week leave during his tenure. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Kyari said carried his duties with integrity, accountability and the fear of God, both before human institutions and a higher power. He said he remains ready to respond to all legitimate questions regarding his stewardship.
“I am willing and happy to account for my stewardship in this world. However, it is important to state that the resort to disinformation does not serve anyone’s purpose, whether the NNPCL or the country in general, as it has the potential to send the wrong signals to investors and the international community,” he warned.
