There is growing confusion surrounding the probe of Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), following mixed reactions and conflicting reports from civil society groups and stakeholders.
The controversy intensified after coordinated protests erupted in Nigeria and London, demanding accountability from Kyari. However, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups has dismissed the protests as politically motivated and orchestrated by blackmailers to tarnish Kyari’s reputation.
Kyari, who was relieved of his position on April 2 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over concerns about performance, has been at the center of public scrutiny, especially regarding the status of Nigeria’s refineries. Last year, he announced the commencement of petroleum production at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, but the actual output and operational status have remained unclear, prompting calls for a thorough investigation.
In recent weeks, the demand for Kyari’s probe has gathered steam. A group of 500 lawyers joined voices with other civil society organizations, calling for transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, another coalition has threatened to extend the protests to the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
Activist Igwe Ude Umanta, convener of the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative, condemned the ongoing protests as an exaggerated attempt to discredit Kyari. In a statement on Sunday, Umanta alleged that the campaign is driven by corrupt interests seeking to pressure the former NNPCL boss into submission.
“It is now even visible to the blind that these shenanigans have nothing to do with any crusade against corruption,” Umanta said. “Some really corrupt interests are instead on a mission to blackmail Mallam Kyari.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Finance Wale Edun recently confirmed that a forensic audit will be conducted on Kyari’s tenure at NNPCL, adding weight to the calls for transparency.
Earlier in May, unverified reports alleged that Kyari was detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the mismanagement of $2.9 billion related to Nigeria’s refineries. However, Kyari has publicly denied being in EFCC custody, insisting he led NNPCL with integrity and “the fear of God.”
As the nation watches closely, the debate over Kyari’s legacy and the truth behind the probe continues to divide public opinion.
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