A coalition of lawyers and concerned citizens has intensified calls for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and prosecute Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), over allegations of massive financial fraud.
The group, led by Barrister Ojonugwa Theophilus, expressed frustration that 46 days after submitting a formal petition to the anti-graft agency, no concrete action has been taken against the former NNPCL boss.
Serious Allegations Against Former NNPCL Chief
The petition, originally submitted on April 25, 2025, contains serious accusations against Kyari, including "misappropriation of funds, tax evasion, economic sabotage, and abuse of office" during his tenure at the helm of Nigeria's state oil company.
"We are here today as a group of lawyers and concerned Nigerian youths to follow up on our earlier petition, with the above title, submitted and received by the Commission on the 25th of April, 2025," Barrister Ojonugwa stated on Tuesday during a press briefing.
The coalition claims that Kyari allegedly misappropriated billions of dollars during his time as the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, an allegation they believe warrants immediate investigation and prosecution.
Call for Immediate Action
While acknowledging the EFCC's efforts in fighting corruption, the group emphasized that the case against Kyari requires urgent attention given the scale of the alleged fraud and its impact on Nigeria's economy.
"Nigeria belongs to all of us and we all have a stake in the growth and development of this country," Barrister Ojonugwa added, highlighting the collective responsibility in ensuring accountability in public office.
The group has demanded diligent prosecution of the former NNPCL boss, insisting that no individual should be above the law regardless of their position or connections.
As of press time, neither the EFCC nor Mele Kyari has issued an official response to these allegations.
This case adds to the growing list of high-profile corruption allegations in Nigeria's oil sector, which has long been plagued by transparency issues despite being the backbone of the nation's economy.
Stay connected with BenriNews for updates on this developing story.
