The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly placed former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, on its watchlist as part of an ongoing investigation into the $7.2 billion refineries’ turnaround maintenance project.
This comes after the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered a temporary freeze on four bank accounts linked to him over allegations of fraud.
According to sources within the EFCC, the probe into Kyari’s tenure at NNPCL gained momentum last month following the arrest and questioning of some of his close associates. Investigators have been reviewing documents and other records on how funds meant for refinery maintenance were managed.
An EFCC official explained, “We have made significant progress with the investigation. Whether he is within the country or not makes no difference—our work continues, and whenever we need him, we will get him. That is why he is now on our watchlist.”
Another senior officer added that the commission had been discreet about the case to avoid jeopardizing efforts to gather critical evidence, noting that several officials are connected to the matter.
In April, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissed Kyari along with NNPCL’s board chairman, Pius Akinyelure. Bashir Ojulari was appointed as the new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective April 2, 2025.
