The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has pledged to investigate the former Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, following public demands for accountability. This assurance came through a statement made by Deputy Director of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Winifred Adekunle, during an address to protesting lawyers who had submitted a petition requesting Kyari’s investigation and arrest.
The protest, which entered its second day, was organized by concerned citizens calling for a thorough probe into Kyari’s tenure at NNPCL, highlighting allegations of corruption. On Tuesday, a group under the banner “Concerned Citizens Against Corruption” gathered at the AGF’s office, pushing for an inquiry into Kyari’s leadership and the company’s financial dealings over the past five years.
Adekunle emphasized that the petition would receive swift attention, assuring the protesters that their concerns would be addressed. She reassured them that both the Attorney General and Solicitor General are committed to transparency and action in this matter.
On Wednesday, a different group of lawyers from “Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law” submitted a fresh petition, co-signed by convener Emmanuel Agada and National Secretary Jonathan Uchendu. The petition alleged that Kyari’s management of NNPCL had been marked by corruption, citing discrepancies in government spending and opaque financial practices.
Key allegations raised include the mismanagement of funds for refinery repairs, with claims that the $400 million reported to have been invested in the Port Harcourt Refinery by Matrix Energy Limited did not match the $1.5 billion approval granted by the Federal Executive Council. Further claims suggest that the NNPCL owes Matrix Energy over $2 billion, which is being serviced through crude oil allocations.
The petitioners demanded a full review of all agreements made by the NNPCL under Kyari’s leadership, urging a fact-finding investigation to determine the extent of financial losses and ensure the recovery of misappropriated funds. They also called for the establishment of a commission to examine the management of refinery repairs under Kyari’s watch.
In conclusion, the lawyers stressed the need for accountability and promised to support the AGF in ensuring a transparent investigation. They hope that the probe will not only expose any misconduct but also prevent future financial mismanagement in Nigeria’s oil sector.
