EFCC Probes Former NNPC Boss, Others

Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested several recently dismissed directors and senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL

)including ex-Group Chief Executives Mele Kyari and Abubakar Yar’Adua, over alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of nearly $3 billion earmarked for refinery rehabilitation.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed that one of the former officials had approximately 80 billion naira in their account.

According to sources, the EFCC is scrutinising the disbursement of $1.5 billion for the Port Harcourt refinery, $740 million for Kaduna, and $656 million for Warri.

ALSO READ: President Tinubu Sacks Mele Kyari, Reshuffles NNPC Board

In a letter dated 28 April and addressed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, the EFCC requested certified payroll records for 14 current and former officials, including top executives such as Isiaka Abdulrazak, Umar Ajiya, and Dikko Ahmed.

The arrests follow the recent dismissal of the managing directors of the three refineries. While some observers link the reshuffle to ongoing investigations, Warri Sentinel learnt the changes were part of broader structural reforms.

In a significant leadership shake-up last month, President Bola Tinubu dissolved the NNPC board, removing Group CEO Mele Kyari and Chairperson Pius Akinyelure. Bayo Ojulari and Ahmadu Kida were subsequently appointed as GCEO and non-executive chairman, respectively.

A new eight-member senior management team has also been installed.