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Abuja, Nigeria — Engr. Mele Kyari, the recently removed Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has publicly refuted reports alleging his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a strongly worded statement on his verified X handle, Kyari dismissed the claims as “clear mischief” and a “calculated attempt” by an online newspaper and unnamed sponsors to discredit him.

“Over the past few days and in particular in the past 2 hours, I have been inundated with calls from concerned family and friends over claims by an online newspaper that I was in the custody of the EFCC,” Kyari wrote. “This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only them know.”

Kyari clarified that he is currently taking a “well-deserved rest” following the recent dissolution of the NNPCL management and board by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He emphasized his gratitude for the opportunity to serve under both President Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Having served the NNPC and the NNPCL for 34 years, and 17 of those in management roles and especially the last 5 years and 9 months, I had little time for leave of even two weeks,” he stated. “I must emphasize that I served with the fear of God knowing fully well as a Muslim that if I do not account before man, I will account before Allah.”

Kyari’s remarks come amid swirling allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement linked to his tenure at the helm of the NNPCL. Reports in recent months have questioned transparency in the award of oil contracts, subsidy payments, and crude oil revenue remittances under his leadership. Though no formal charges have been announced, media speculation and public scrutiny have intensified since his removal from office last week.

Sources within the EFCC neither confirmed nor denied ongoing investigations, but insiders suggest that several former NNPCL officials are being invited for questioning as part of broader efforts to probe Nigeria’s petroleum sector. Kyari, however, reiterated his readiness to respond to any lawful inquiries.

“Therefore, having served in public capacity, I am willing and happy to account for my stewardship in this world,” he affirmed.

He cautioned against the spread of misinformation, warning that unverified claims risk damaging investor confidence and the country’s international reputation. “The resort to disinformation does not serve anyone’s purpose, the NNPCL or the country in general, as it has the potential to send the wrong signals to investors and the international community,” he noted.

Kyari concluded by urging media organizations to exercise due diligence in their reporting, while thanking family and friends for their support. “I sincerely thank my family and friends who have reached out to me or tried to do so and assure them that I am available to respond to all lawful queries,” he said.

The former GCEO’s statement signals a proactive effort to defend his legacy as Nigeria grapples with deep-rooted challenges in its oil and gas industry—a sector long plagued by accusations of corruption and mismanagement.

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