A massive protest erupted at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja on Thursday as over 1,000 demonstrators demanded that former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Mele Kyari, be denied entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The protesters, operating under the banner of the Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria, comprised lawyers, doctors, engineers, artisans, and other professionals who expressed concerns that Kyari might be seeking refuge in Saudi Arabia to evade ongoing corruption investigations in Nigeria.
Led by the forum's Convener, Barrister Sambari Benjamin, and Organizing Secretary, Comrade John Ndubuokwu, the group submitted a formal petition to embassy officials at the Saudi mission located in Abuja's Maitama district.
Speaking to journalists during the demonstration, Barr. Sambari warned that Kyari's alleged attempt to flee Nigeria represented "a calculated effort to escape accountability" for his actions during his tenure at NNPCL.
"Both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have launched preliminary investigations into Kyari's financial dealings during his time at NNPCL," the group claimed.
"In light of these developments, we are compelled to act, knowing that Mr. Kyari considers Saudi Arabia as a safe haven beyond the reach of Nigerian and international law. This must not be allowed to happen," Sambari stated.
The petition addressed to the Saudi Ambassador read in part: "We, the Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria, write to Your Excellency and the esteemed custodians of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja, not only as patriotic citizens but as defenders of Nigeria's moral and economic integrity."
"We respectfully seek your intervention in preventing Mallam Mele Kyari from entering or seeking asylum in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the petition continued.
The protesters accused the former NNPCL boss of orchestrating "clandestine moves" to flee Nigeria amid "mounting public outrage and compelling evidence of economic sabotage and institutional betrayal."
The group emphasized that "Saudi Arabia, as a respected leader in the Muslim world, must reaffirm its strong stance against corruption and economic crimes by distancing itself from figures like Mele Kyari."
The protest comes amid increasing scrutiny of Kyari's tenure at the helm of Nigeria's state oil company. The Saudi Embassy has not yet issued an official response to the protesters' demands.
