Former oil chief declares “I have done my part” following corruption probe interrogation at Abuja headquarters.
Abuja, Nigeria – Mele Kyari finally broke his silence Wednesday after spending several hours being grilled by EFCC investigators. The questioning session at their Jabi headquarters appears to have covered alleged financial misconduct during his time running Nigeria’s oil giant.
What We Know About the EFCC Session
Around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Kyari walked into the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission building, probably not how he expected to spend his afternoon. Investigators reportedly questioned him about conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering allegations tied to his tenure at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
When he emerged hours later, Kyari looked surprisingly composed for someone who’d just been through what must have been an intense interrogation. His brief comments to waiting journalists were measured, almost philosophical: “I have done my part; the EFCC must do theirs. When each of us does our duty, without fear or favour, with honour, respect, and commitment, Nigeria moves forward.”
It’s the kind of statement that says everything and nothing at once. Kyari declined to get into specifics about what investigators asked or how he responded, which probably isn’t surprising given the circumstances.
The Money Trail Gets Messy
Things started heating up back in August when Justice Emeka Nwite granted the EFCC’s request to freeze four Jaiz Bank accounts allegedly connected to Kyari. The anti-graft agency wanted 60 days to dig through the accounts, but the judge gave them 30 days instead, with the option to extend if they needed more time.
“I have listened to the counsel for the applicant and examined the affidavit evidence with the exhibits attached,” Justice Nwite said in his ruling. “I find this application meritorious and hereby grant it as prayed.”
The whole investigation appears to have started with a petition filed in April by something called Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, one of those civil society groups that may or may not have genuine concerns about corruption. EFCC investigator Amin Abdullahi’s court filing suggests they’re taking the allegations seriously enough to pursue account freezes and formal questioning.
The case is set to return to court September 23, when we’ll presumably learn whether the EFCC wants to extend their fishing expedition through Kyari’s finances.
Six Years Running Nigeria’s Most Important Company
Kyari’s time at the helm of NNPC wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. Appointed in 2019, he found himself managing what might be Nigeria’s most politically sensitive organization during some pretty turbulent years.
His biggest achievement, or headache, depending on your perspective, was overseeing the transformation from NNPC to NNPCL. The idea was to turn the state corporation into something resembling a real business, with less political interference and more commercial sense.
Whether that actually worked is debatable. Sure, the paperwork changed in 2022, but Nigeria still struggled with fuel shortages, subsidy payment drama, and oil production that kept disappointing everyone. Critics have questioned some of Kyari’s financial decisions, particularly around procurement—the kind of stuff that tends to catch the EFCC’s attention.
He stepped down in July 2025, leaving behind a mixed legacy that probably looks different depending on who you ask.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Oil Future
The Kyari investigation seems to be part of a broader EFCC push against corruption in the oil sector. Whether this represents genuine reform or just the usual anti-corruption theater remains to be seen.
Legal experts think this case could set important precedents for how Nigeria handles financial misconduct allegations in the energy sector. That might be optimistic, Nigeria has a long history of high-profile corruption cases that fizzle out or get mysteriously dropped.
Sources close to the investigation hint that more questioning sessions could be coming. The EFCC hasn’t said whether they’ll actually file charges, though keeping those bank accounts frozen suggests they’re not done digging.
What’s interesting is how this highlights the ongoing tension between running NNPCL as a commercial entity and maintaining public accountability. The whole point of the transformation was supposed to be greater efficiency, but it’s not clear anyone figured out how to balance that with proper oversight.
For now, Kyari appears confident that the process will vindicate him. Whether the EFCC agrees is another question entirely.
