The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and 13 other former senior officials of the corporation for alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds.
According to a document obtained by Punch on Friday, the EFCC made a formal request to the NNPCL titled “Investigation Activities: Request for Information.” The letter, dated April 28, 2025, was addressed to the current Group Managing Director of the company.
The officials under investigation include Abubakar Yar’Adua, Mele Kyari, Isiaka Abdulrazak, Umar Ajiya, Dikko Ahmed, Ibrahim Onoja, Ademoye Jelili, and Mustapha Sugungun. Others named are Kayode Adetokunbo, Efiok Akpan, Babatunde Bakare, Jimoh Olasunkanmi, Bello Kankaya, and Desmond Inyama.
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“The Commission is investigating a case of abuse of office and misappropriation of funds involving the listed officials of your organisation,” the EFCC stated in the letter.
As part of its investigation, the anti-graft agency requests certified copies of salary structures, emoluments, and allowances received by the individuals, including those who have since retired.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye has repeatedly declined to respond to media inquiries on the matter. His silence has sparked concerns about transparency and accountability within the state-owned oil company.
Public skepticism continues to grow, with many Nigerians questioning whether the NNPCL is hiding deeper problems related to the country’s troubled oil infrastructure.
