Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), honored an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as part of a deepening investigation into alleged fraud and mismanagement of over $7.2 billion allocated for the turnaround maintenance of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries.
Kyari arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 2:15 p.m., accompanied by his legal team, and spent several hours responding to questions from investigators, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The session marks a significant escalation in the probe that has shadowed Kyari since his dismissal by President Bola Tinubu in April 2025, amid widespread allegations of financial irregularities during his tenure from July 2019 to February 2025.
The investigation centers on the controversial expenditure of funds for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, with claims that billions were misappropriated through over-invoicing, abuse of office, and illicit transfers to associates.
EFCC sources revealed that the probe, which began in earnest in May 2025, has already led to the interrogation of over a dozen NNPCL officials, including Kyari’s close aides and former executives like Abubakar Yar’Adua.
Documents obtained by the commission reportedly show discrepancies in contracts awarded to consultants and contractors, with preliminary findings pointing to potential money laundering and conspiracy.
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