The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating at least 14 current and former officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), including former chief executives Mele Kyari and Abubakar Yar’Adua, for alleged misappropriation of funds and abuse of office.
In a letter dated April 28, 2025, the EFCC requested the NNPCL’s Group Managing Director to provide certified true copies of the salaries and allowances of these individuals, including those who have since retired. The letter, referenced CR:3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/SDC.2/NNPC/VOL.1/698, stated that the investigation concerns alleged abuse of office and fund mismanagement involving the listed officials.
The EFCC’s list includes Mele Kolo Kyari, Ibrahim Onoja, Mustapha Magaji Sugungun, Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua, Isiaka Abdulrazak, Umar Ajiya, Dikko Ahmed, Ademoye Adeniyi Jelili, Kayode Olusegun Adetokunbo, Efiok Michael Akpan, Jimoh Olasunkanmi, Bello Kankaya, and Desmond Inyama.
The ongoing investigation is reportedly linked to the funds allocated for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited, Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the probe to Channels TV but did not provide further details, only stating that investigations into the refinery rehabilitation funds are underway.
This development comes after President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a new board for NNPCL Limited on April 2, which saw the removal of the former Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, and the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Mele Kyari, along with all other board members appointed in November 2023.
The new board has Engineer Bashir Ojulari as the Group CEO and Ahmadu Kida as the Non-Executive Chairman.
Additionally, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, announced in April that a forensic audit of the NNPCL would soon commence, noting that the recent changes in the company’s management were part of the government’s efforts to audit the oil company.
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