Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has debunked reports alleging his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing them as false and mischievous.
Kyari, in a statement , said he had received a barrage of calls from family, friends, and associates following an online report claiming he was in EFCC custody.
He categorically denied the claim, stating that he is currently on a well-deserved rest after over three decades of service at the national oil company.
“Over the past few days, and especially in the last two hours, I have been inundated with calls from concerned family and friends over claims by an online newspaper that I was in EFCC custody. This is a clear case of mischief and a calculated attempt to mislead the public,” Kyari said.
While acknowledging the EFCC’s ongoing probe into alleged financial infractions by some former NNPCL officials, Kyari maintained that he is not under arrest and remains ready to respond to any lawful queries.
“I served Nigeria with the fear of God, and I am fully prepared to give account of my stewardship. As a Muslim, I know I must ultimately account before Allah. I am therefore more than willing to account to institutions of man,” he stated.
Kyari also warned against the spread of unverified reports, cautioning that such misinformation could jeopardize investor confidence and damage Nigeria’s image in the global oil industry.
“I urge the media to exercise restraint and verify their stories before publication. Misleading reports can send the wrong signals to investors and the international community,” he added.
Kyari, who served as GCEO of the NNPCL for nearly six years and spent 34 years with the company, was removed by President Bola Tinubu on April 2 as part of a sweeping management shake-up.
He was replaced by Bayo Ojulari, while Ahmadu Musa Kida was named the new non-executive chairman.
Despite the probe, Kyari expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu, describing his tenure as one of intense dedication with little personal time.
“I had little time to even take a two-week leave in all those years,” he said.
He thanked his family, colleagues, and associates for their support and concern, assuring them that he remains available to cooperate with all relevant authorities.
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