Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, says he is prepared to account for his stewardship during his time in office.
Reacting to reports alleging his detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kyari dismissed the claims as deliberate falsehoods aimed at tarnishing his reputation. He described the report, published by an online news outlet, as “clear mischief” and a calculated attempt by unnamed sponsors to drag his name through the mud.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday night, Kyari denied any wrongdoing and said he served Nigeria and God with full commitment. He added that, as a devout Muslim, he believes he will ultimately be held accountable before Allah.
Kyari also cautioned that such disinformation could deter foreign investors from engaging with Nigeria’s petroleum sector. He revealed that he is currently taking a well-earned rest following the recent dissolution of the NNPCL board and management.
“Over the past few days—and particularly in the past two hours—I have been inundated with calls from concerned family and friends over claims by an online newspaper that I was in the custody of the EFCC,” he wrote.
“This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only they know.” he wrote on X.
