The former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL),Mele Kyari, has refuted allegations claiming he is being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Recently, it was reported that Kyari, along with several other senior officials from NNPCL who were recently dismissed are being interrogated regarding alleged financial misconduct and misuse of authority.
One report suggested that Kyari had been taken into custody by the EFCC on Friday and could be held there over the weekend.
The EFCC has not made an official statement regarding these assertions. However, a letter purportedly from the anti-corruption agency has emerged online.
This letter, addressed to Bayo Ojulari, the new head of NNPCL, requests certified true copies of payment records and benefits for 14 senior officials, including those who have already retired.
The officials mentioned in the letter are: Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua, Mustapha Magaji Sugungun, Mele Kolo Kyari, Kayode Olusegun Adetokunbo, Isiaka Abdulrazak, Efiok Michael Akpan, Umar Ajiya, Babatunde Bakare, Dikko Ahmed, Jimoh Olasunkanmi, Ibrahim Onoja, Bello Kankaya, Ademoye Adeniyi Jelli, and Desmond Inyama.
In light of these reports, Kyari released a statement via his verified X account on Saturday night to clarify the matter.
He stated: "I have served not only my country but also God. I am pleased to account for my stewardship."
Over the last few days, particularly in the last 2 hours, I have received numerous calls from concerned family and friends regarding claims made by an online newspaper stating that I am in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.