The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly placed the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, on its watchlist.
According to Naija News, Kyari was placed on the watchlist as part of an ongoing investigation into the controversial $7.2 billion refineries’ turnaround maintenance project, Daily Trust reports.
Earlier this week, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the temporary freezing of four bank accounts linked to Kyari over allegations of fraud.
Multiple EFCC sources confirmed to Daily Trust that investigations into activities at the NNPCL during Kyari’s tenure reached an advanced stage last month, following the arrest of some of his close associates.
These associates were interrogated on how funds earmarked for the maintenance of the country’s refineries were managed. Detectives have also secured key documents and other relevant evidence as part of their probe into the disbursement of the funds.
An EFCC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated:
“I can assure you that we have gone far with his (Kyari’s) investigation. Don’t forget that in criminal investigations, territorial integrity and national boundaries do not hinder our work. Anti-corruption agencies operate at the transnational level, so whether he leaves the country or not makes no difference. Whenever we need him, we will get him — and he’s already on our watchlist.”
Another EFCC source emphasized the seriousness of the probe:
“We’re investigating him (Mele Kyari), and our investigation has reached an advanced stage. How is it possible that we will not investigate him when those around him are already being interrogated? The fact that the commission has not spoken openly about him is deliberate. We need to gather critical information discreetly, especially since several officials are involved. Keeping it quiet helps us ensure the integrity of the investigation and secure the right evidence.”
It will be recalled that in April, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissed NNPCL Board Chairman, Pius Akinyelure, and Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.
Kyari was subsequently replaced by Bashir Ojulari, who assumed office as the new CEO on April 2, 2025.
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