Ex-NNPCL GMD Mele Kyari Leaves EFCC After Questioning Over Financial Investigation

Mele Kyari, the former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has exited the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja after being questioned over financial activities during his tenure.

Kyari arrived at the EFCC office around 2:15 PM on Wednesday. Upon leaving, he stated, “I have done my part; the EFCC must do theirs. When each of us performs our duties without fear or favour, with honour and commitment, Nigeria progresses.”

EFCC Investigation and Court Proceedings

• The EFCC approached the Federal High Court in Abuja requesting a 60-day freeze on Kyari’s accounts; the court reduced this to 30 days with the possibility of renewal.
• In August, four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to Kyari were temporarily frozen pending the outcome of the investigation.
• The accounts under scrutiny include two in Kyari’s name and two registered under the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief organization.

Scope of Allegations

• The EFCC alleges the accounts were used to receive questionable inflows from NNPC and affiliated oil companies.
• Preliminary findings suggest that Kyari may have used family members as intermediaries to manage these accounts.
• The total funds under investigation amount to N661,464,601.50, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

Next Steps

• The Federal High Court has scheduled a follow-up on September 23 to review the status of the investigation.
• The EFCC continues its inquiry into allegations of conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering related to Kyari’s time as NNPCL GMD.

The investigation is part of ongoing efforts by the EFCC to ensure accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s public sector, particularly within key national institutions.