Former NNPCL Mele Kyari refutes reports of arrest

Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has dismissed rumours suggesting he is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Describing the claims as “mischievous” and an orchestrated move to tarnish his reputation, Kyari addressed the issue in a statement shared late Saturday via his X (formerly Twitter) account.

He stated that he is currently enjoying a well-earned rest following the recent dissolution of the NNPCL board and his subsequent exit from the leadership role.

Kyari reaffirmed his readiness to respond to any legitimate investigation related to his time in office.

It will be recalled that President Bola Tinubu, in April, relieved both Kyari and the board chairman, Pius Akinyelure, of their duties. Bashir Ojulari has since been appointed as the new Group CEO, effective from April 2, 2025.

“In the last few days—especially in the past two hours—I have received numerous calls from worried friends and relatives reacting to an online news report claiming I’m being held by the EFCC,” Kyari wrote.

He labelled the reports as a deliberate attempt by the publication and its backers to mislead the public, stressing that only those behind the story know their true motive.

Kyari, who spent 34 years at the NNPCL, nearly six of which he served as its head, said his record remains clear and that he performed his duties with integrity and accountability—both to the nation and to God.

“I carried out my responsibilities with the consciousness that even if I don’t answer to man, I must answer to Allah. I am fully prepared to account for my actions,” he stated.

He urged the media to act responsibly and avoid spreading falsehoods, warning that such unverified stories could harm the country’s image and scare off foreign investors.

Kyari expressed gratitude to everyone who reached out and reassured the public of his willingness to respond to any lawful inquiry.