EFCC questions ex-NNPCL boss Mele Kyari over fraud allegations

Former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has left the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters after being interrogated over financial dealings during his tenure.

Kyari arrived at the EFCC office in Abuja around 2:15 pm on Wednesday, stating, “I have done my part; the EFCC must do theirs.

When each of us does our duty—without fear or favour, with honour, respect, and commitment—Nigeria moves forward.”

The EFCC had earlier approached the Federal High Court in Abuja for a 60-day order to freeze four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to Kyari, but Justice Emeke Nwite approved a 30-day freeze with an option to extend. The accounts were frozen in August following an ex parte motion by EFCC counsel Ogechi Ujam, who alleged the accounts were connected to fraud.

Court documents revealed two accounts were registered in Kyari’s name, while the other two belonged to the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief. Investigators claim the accounts, reportedly managed by Kyari and his family, received suspicious inflows from NNPC and oil companies, totalling N661,464,601.50.

The investigation followed a petition filed on April 24 by the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law. The case is scheduled for a status update on September 23.