By Omowumi Omotosho
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated an investigation into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of funds by former top officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), including two former chief executives, Mele Kyari and Abubakar Yar’Adua.
Others who are under investigation are former MDs, including the Kwara state brother and former Group General Manager NNPC Capital Alhaji Isiaka Abdulrazaq, Ibrahim Onoja (Port Harcourt Refining Company Ltd) and Efifia Chu (Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Ltd). The investigation also involves 13 former senior executives of NNPCL, including Mele Kyari, former Group CEO.
A letter with reference CR:3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/SDC.2/NNPC/VOL.1/698 and dated April 28 was sent to the Managing Director of NNPC, revealing that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is requesting official payroll records. The request covers detailed information on salaries and allowances received by 14 individuals, including some who are no longer with the company.
Titled “Investigation Activities – Request for Information,” the letter outlines the EFCC’s ongoing probe into suspected abuse of office and embezzlement. The agency asked NNPC to furnish certified true copies of documents related to both serving and retired personnel linked to the case.
“In view of the above, you are kindly requested to furnish certified true copies of their emoluments and allowances, including that of those who have retired and no longer work with your organisation,” the letter read.
The investigation centers on the disputed $2.896 billion reportedly expended on refinery overhaul initiatives during their tenure.
Breakdown of the funds reveals that $1.56 billion was designated for the Port Harcourt refinery, while the Kaduna and Warri refineries were earmarked $740.6 million and $656.9 million respectively.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed to journalists that the investigation is currently ongoing but refrained from disclosing additional information. This comes on the heels of the recent dismissal of the heads of the three government-run refineries.
An insider privy to the developments told reporters that the shake-up forms part of a wider organizational overhaul and is not specifically targeted at individuals linked to the former Group Chief Executive Officer.
In April, President Bola Tinubu disbanded the board of NNPC Limited, removing key figures such as Mele Kyari and board chairman Pius Akinyelure. He subsequently named Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer and appointed Ahmadu Kida as the non-executive chairman.
Following the board shake-up, NNPC unveiled a fresh leadership structure, introducing eight new senior executives.
Meanwhile, during the World Bank and IMF spring meetings in Washington, D.C., Finance Minister and Economic Coordinator Wale Edun disclosed that a forensic audit of NNPC operations is currently in progress.
“The NNPC needs to come to the table with more dollar revenue,” Edun stated.
