Scores of lawyers under the banner of Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law on Wednesday staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, calling for the immediate investigation of Mele Kyari, former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), over alleged multi-billion dollar corruption in the oil sector.
The protesting lawyers submitted a formal petition to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, accusing Kyari of overseeing opaque transactions and questionable agreements during his tenure—particularly regarding the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s government-owned refineries.
In the petition, co-signed by Barrister Emmanuel Agada and Jonathan Uchendu, the group highlighted discrepancies in the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, alleging that while the Federal Executive Council approved $1.5 billion for the project, Matrix Energy Limited also reportedly invested $400 million into the same facility. The lawyers further claimed that NNPCL currently owes Matrix Energy over $2 billion, being serviced through daily crude oil allocations—without clear records of payment.
“The leadership of Mele Kyari was riddled with allegations of financial mismanagement and lacked transparency,” the petition stated. “This is unacceptable in a country striving to curb corruption, especially in such a strategic sector.”
The group urged the AGF to initiate a full judicial review of all contracts and agreements signed under Kyari’s administration, launch a fact-finding investigation into the refinery projects, and recommend the recovery of misappropriated public funds.
They also demanded the institution of a commission of inquiry into the NNPCL’s activities under Kyari, stating that doing so would not only ensure justice but also prevent the recurrence of similar issues under the current management.
“A full-scale investigation will not only expose how much the government lost but will also guide future administrations and ensure accountability across the board,” the petition read.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the AGF, Deputy Director Winifred Adekunle assured the group that their concerns would be conveyed to the Minister of Justice and that necessary actions would be taken promptly.
The lawyers vowed to continue their advocacy until justice is served and the truth fully uncovered.
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