The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed it is interrogating former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, over alleged financial misappropriation.
Sources within the anti-graft agency disclosed that Kyari is being questioned in connection with funds meant for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the nation’s three state-owned refineries.
“He was invited in respect of the ongoing investigation into alleged misappropriation regarding the refineries. He honoured the invitation and is still with us,” an EFCC official said.
This development comes a month after the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the temporary freezing of four bank accounts linked to Kyari, following an ex-parte motion filed by the EFCC.
President Bola Tinubu had on April 2 removed Kyari as part of sweeping changes in the NNPC, citing the need for enhanced operational efficiency and improved investor confidence.
Bayo Ojulari was subsequently appointed as the new Group CEO, while Ahmadu Musa Kida replaced Pius Akinyelure as the company’s non-executive chairman.
In a related case, the EFCC in June arrested former NNPC Chief Financial Officer, Umar Isa, over an alleged $7.2 billion fraud tied to the rehabilitation of the Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries.