Former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, on Wednesday appeared at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, where he was questioned over financial dealings during his tenure.
Kyari arrived at about 2:15 p.m. and, before entering, told reporters:
“I have done my part; the EFCC must do theirs. When each of us does our duty—without fear or favour, with honour, respect, and commitment—Nigeria moves forward.”
The questioning comes amid an ongoing investigation into alleged fraud and money laundering. In August, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered the temporary freezing of four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to Kyari following an ex parte motion filed by the EFCC.
The commission had sought a 60-day freeze order, but the court limited it to 30 days, pending further investigation. The accounts, two in Kyari’s name and two under the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief, allegedly held suspicious inflows from the NNPC and oil companies.
According to EFCC filings, preliminary investigations revealed over ₦661 million suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities were warehoused in the accounts, allegedly controlled by Kyari through family members.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on September 23.