EFCC probes ex-NNPC chiefs over $2.9bn refinery funds, demands salary records

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of funds by former senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), including two former chief executives, Mele Kyari and Abubakar Yar’Adua.

In a letter addressed to the Group Managing Director, NNPC Towers, Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Business District, Abuja, and dated 28 April, the EFCC formally requested documentation related to the ongoing probe. The letter, titled “Investigation Activities Request for Information”, referenced number CR:3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/SDC.2/NNPC/VOL.1/698, stated:

“The Commission is investigating a case of Abuse of Office and Misappropriation of Funds in which the under-listed officials of your organization featured.”

The EFCC listed 14 individuals involved in the investigation, including:

1. Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua

2. Mele Kolo Kyari

3. Isiaka Abdulrazak

4. Umar Ajiya

5. Dikko Ahmed

6. Ibrahim Onoja

7. Ademoye Adeniyi Jelili

8. Mustapha Magaji Sugungun

9. Kayode Olusegun Adetokunbo

10. Efiok Michael Akpan

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11. Babatunde Bakare

12. Jimoh Olasunkanmi

13. Bello Kankaya

14. Desmond Inyama

“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 organization,” the letter further stated.

Among the listed names are former Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari and ex-Managing Directors of key subsidiaries: Ibrahim Onoja (Port Harcourt Refining Company), Mustapha Sugungun (Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company), and others across NNPC’s operational structure.

The investigation is linked to the controversial $2.896 billion allocated for refinery rehabilitation projects under their tenure — $1.56 billion for the Port Harcourt refinery, $740.6 million for Kaduna, and $656.9 million for Warri.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed to newsmen that the investigation is active but declined to provide further details.

This development follows the recent removal of the managing directors of the three state-owned refineries. A source familiar with the internal changes told news men the action was part of a broader restructuring effort and not aimed at associates of the former GCEO.

In April, President Bola Tinubu dissolved the NNPC Ltd board, including Mele Kyari and board chair Pius Akinyelure, appointing Bayo Ojulari as the new Group CEO and Ahmadu Kida as non-executive chairman.

NNPC has since announced a new eight-member senior management team.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, revealed during the World Bank/IMF meetings in Washington, D.C. that a forensic audit of the NNPC is underway. “The NNPC needs to come to the table with more dollar revenue,” Edun stated.