The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has assured Nigerians that a thorough investigation into the actions of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, will proceed as demanded by various groups and citizens.
This assurance was made on Wednesday by Winifred Adekunle, a Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Justice, while addressing a group of lawyers who marched to the ministry’s premises to submit a petition calling for Kyari’s immediate investigation and arrest. The march, which marks the second day of protests, was organized by a group of lawyers under the banner of “Concerned Citizens Against Corruption.”
The protestors are demanding accountability for the leadership of Kyari at NNPCL, particularly in light of allegations of corruption during his tenure. The protesters, led by Emmanuel Agada and Jonathan Uchendu, co-signers of the petition, claimed that Kyari’s leadership was fraught with opaque dealings and questionable transactions, notably in the rehabilitation and management of government-owned refineries.
The lawyers highlighted allegations such as discrepancies between the $400 million investment claimed by Matrix Energy Limited in the Port Harcourt Refinery and the $1.5 billion Federal Executive Council approval for the project. Further, they pointed out that Matrix Energy is owed over $2 billion by the NNPCL, a debt allegedly being serviced through daily crude oil allocations of 80,000 barrels, without clear public explanation or transparency.
In response, Adekunle assured the protesters that their petition would receive immediate attention. She emphasized that the Attorney General and the Solicitor General are committed to addressing all concerns raised by the petitioners and to ensuring that justice is served.
“The petition will be reviewed thoroughly, and a response will be provided,” Adekunle said, reiterating the government’s dedication to tackling corruption and ensuring transparency within public institutions.
The group of lawyers stressed that the government’s initial response—removing Kyari from his position—was insufficient without a full investigation into the alleged corruption. They called for a comprehensive review of all agreements entered into by NNPCL under Kyari’s leadership, as well as an inquiry into the mismanagement of refinery repairs, which has led to significant financial losses.
“The investigation will ensure accountability, deter future misconduct, and prevent a recurrence of past mistakes,” they stated, reaffirming their commitment to supporting the Attorney General in carrying out a transparent and exhaustive probe.
This investigation, coupled with the mounting public pressure, underscores growing concerns over the management of Nigeria’s oil sector and the need for greater transparency in its operations. The protesters have urged the AGF to launch a commission of inquiry into Kyari’s handling of the NNPCL, which could set a precedent for tackling corruption in Nigeria’s public sector.
