Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has denied reports that he is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Recently, there were reports that Kyari and several other top NNPCL officials—who were recently removed from their positions—were being questioned over alleged misuse of funds and abuse of office. One report even claimed Kyari had been taken into EFCC custody on Friday and might spend the weekend there.
The EFCC has not officially responded to the claims. However, a letter believed to be from the anti-corruption agency has surfaced online. In the letter addressed to Bayo Ojulari, the new head of NNPCL, the EFCC requested certified true copies of payment records and benefits of 14 senior officials. This includes those who have already retired.
Those listed in the letter are: Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua, Mustapha Magaji Sugungun, Mele Kolo Kyari, Kayode Olusegun Adetokunbo, Isiaka Abdulrazak, Efiok Michael Akpan, Umar Ajiya, Babatunde Bakare, Dikko Ahmed, Jimoh Olasunkanmi, Ibrahim Onoja, Bello Kankaya, Ademoye Adeniyi Jelli, and Desmond Inyama.
In response to the reports, Kyari issued a statement on his verified X handle on Saturday night to clarify the situation.
His words: I served not only my country but also God. I am happy to account for my stewardship.
Over the past few days and in particular in the past 2 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.
This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only them know.
At present, I am taking a well-deserved rest after the dissolution of the management and board of the NNPCL, of which I was the Group Chief Executive.
It should be stated that having served the NNPC and the NNPCL for 34 years, and 17 of those in management roles and especially the last 5 years and 9 months, I had little time for leave of even two weeks. So, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve under their Excellencies Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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, and that I am better off accounting to the institutions of man. Therefore, having served in public capacity, 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 anyones purpose, the NNPCL or the country in general, as it has the potential to send the wrong signals to investors and the international community.
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 organizations.
I sincerely thank my family and friends who have reached out to me or tried to do so and assure them that I am available to respond to all lawful queries.