FORMER Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has debunked claims that he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a post shared via his X account, on the night of Saturday May 3, Kyari labelled the reports as unfounded, explaining that he is currently taking a well-earned break following the dissolution of the NNPCL management and board.
He dismissed the allegations as pure mischief, insisting they were deliberate attempts to distort the truth, and reaffirmed his continued commitment to serving Nigeria and God.
“At present, I am taking a well-deserved rest after the dissolution of the management and board of the NNPCL, of which I was the Group Chief Executive.
“It should be stated that having served the NNPC and the NNPCL for 34 years, and 17 of those in management roles and especially the last 5 years and 9 months, I had little time for leave of even two weeks.
“So, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve under their Excellencies Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I must emphasise that I served with the fear of God knowing fully well as a Muslim that if I do not account before man, I will account before Allah, and that I am better off accounting to the institutions of man. Therefore, having served in public capacity, I am willing and happy to account for my stewardship in this world,” the post read in part.
Kyari emphasised that resorting to disinformation serves neither the NNPCL nor the country at large, warning that such actions could send misleading signals to investors and the international community.
He further urged the media to exercise caution and avoid rushing to publish unverified reports or issues still under review by relevant authorities.
The ICIR reports that the EFCC had launched an investigation into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of funds by former senior officials of the NNPCL , including Mele Kyari and Abubakar Yar’Adua.
The investigation is believed to be linked to the controversial $2.896 billion spent on refinery rehabilitation projects under their watch.
Fatimah Quadri is a Journalist and a Fact-checker at The ICIR. She has written news articles, fact-checks, explainers, and media literacy in an effort to combat information disorder.
She can be reached at sunmibola_q on X or fquadri@icirnigeria.org