Mele Kyari Breaks Silence: Former NNPC GMD Speaks After EFCC Interrogation

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Mele Kyari Breaks Silence: Former NNPC GMD Speaks After EFCC Interrogation

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13.09.2025
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“Mele Kyari Breaks Silence: Former NNPC GMD Speaks After EFCC Interrogation”

ABUJA — Former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian

National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has spoken publicly after being questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure.

On Wednesday afternoon, Kyari arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, around 2:15 p.m. He was interrogated by investigators over allegations of conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.

“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,” Kyari told journalists as he left the premises.

His appearance is part of a wider probe into his financial dealings and activities during his leadership of Nigeria’s state-owned oil giant.

Earlier, the EFCC approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to freeze bank accounts allegedly linked to Kyari. In August, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered a temporary freeze on four Jaiz Bank accounts connected to the former NNPCL boss.While the EFCC requested a 60-day freeze to conduct its investigation, the court granted a 30-day order with the possibility of renewal.

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“I have listened to the counsel for the applicant and examined the affidavit evidence with the exhibits attached. I find this application meritorious and hereby grant it as prayed,” Justice Nwite ruled.

The case was adjourned to September 23 for a progress update on the ongoing investigation.

According to court documents, the probe was triggered by a petition filed on April 24 by a civil society group known as Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law. The petition accused Kyari of conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.EFCC investigator Amin Abdullahi confirmed that the petition formed the basis of the financial probe currently underway. The Commission is reviewing evidence tied to Kyari’s activities during his leadership of the oil company.

So far, Mele Kyari has refrained from providing detailed responses to the allegations. Instead, he has emphasised that the EFCC should be allowed to carry out its mandate without interference. His brief comment on Wednesday suggests he intends to cooperate while maintaining his innocence.Kyari, who oversaw the transition of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), continues to be a central figure in Nigeria’s energy sector debates.

Appointed as NNPC GMD in 2019, Kyari later retained his position as head of the newly commercialised NNPCL. He played a key role in restructuring the company into a profit-driven entity in line with Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act reforms.After serving six years, Kyari left office in July 2025. His tenure witnessed both praise for reforms and criticism over transparency issues in Nigeria’s oil sector.

The EFCC has yet to disclose whether formal charges will follow the interrogation. However, sources suggest that the investigation remains active and that the court’s interim freeze order could be extended if necessary.The progress report scheduled for September 23 will determine the next phase of the probe, including whether the EFCC will proceed with prosecution.

This article covers breaking updates on Mele Kyari’s EFCC probe, court orders, and financial allegations surrounding the former NNPCL GMD. Optimised with keywords such as Mele Kyari, EFCC investigation, NNPC corruption, Jaiz Bank accounts, Abuja court to improve visibility on search engines.

Mele Kolo Kyari is a geologist and oil industry executive who rose through technical and commercial ranks to become Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC/NNPCL). Known for his long career in Nigeria’s energy sector and his role in the commercialisation of NNPC, Kyari became a prominent figure in national oil policy and crude marketing. Recent developments (2024–2025) include public scrutiny and an EFCC inquiry into financial matters linked to his tenure.

Table of Contents

What state is Mele Kyari from?

Mele Kyari is from Borno State in north-eastern Nigeria. He is often described in background profiles as originating from Maiduguri (Borno’s capital) and is identified with the region in most biographical accounts.

Short biography & education

Mele Kolo Kyari trained as a geologist. He graduated in the late 1980s from the University of Maiduguri with a degree in Geology/Earth Sciences and entered the oil sector where he held a series of technical and commercial roles — from seismic and data processing work to senior management positions focused on crude marketing and petroleum operations. Over the years he became a well-known figure within NNPC and the broader oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

Career highlights

Joined NNPC/its service companies in the early 1990s in technical roles (seismic/data processing and related geology work).
Progressed into crude oil marketing and commercial roles within NNPC, gaining influence in trading and marketing operations.
Appointed Group Managing Director (GMD) / Group Chief Executive of NNPC Limited in mid-2019 (role that included overseeing the company’s transformation and commercialisation efforts).

Who is the current CEO of NNPC (after Mele Kyari)?

Mele Kyari left the helm of NNPC/NNPCL in 2025. His successor was named as part of routine leadership changes at the company. (For the latest and official confirmation of the sitting CEO, check NNPC/NNPCL press releases or reputable business news sources.)

Was Mele Kyari questioned by EFCC?

Yes — in 2025 Mele Kyari was reported to have been questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of an investigation into alleged financial improprieties connected to his time at NNPC. The EFCC also sought and obtained interim court orders to freeze certain bank accounts linked to the probe while investigations continued. Mele Kyari has publicly said he will cooperate with investigators and has reiterated confidence in the process.

Which state is Mele Kyari from?

Borno State (Maiduguri), northeastern Nigeria.

Who is the CEO of NNPC now?

NNPC leadership changed in 2025 — consult the NNPC/NNPCL official website or major news outlets for the verified current CEO.

What is Mele Kyari’s net worth?

There’s no verified public declaration of a precise net worth for Mele Kyari. Media estimates about personal fortunes of public servants are speculative; no official or audited figure is publicly available. Exercise caution with unverified “net worth” claims.

What was Mele Kyari’s salary as NNPC GMD?

Specific salary figures for senior public managers may not be fully disclosed in the public domain. Some components of remuneration for state-owned enterprises are published in government budget documents or corporate disclosures, but an exact, verifiable “take-home” number for Kyari is not widely published. Rely on official NNPC/Ministry of Finance/Service rules statements for confirmed figures.

Who is Mele Kyari’s wife?

Kyari keeps his private life largely out of the spotlight. Public reporting focuses on his professional role rather than detailed family disclosures. If you need family details for verification, refer to interviews or official biographies where he or his office has chosen to share such information.