By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Erstwhile Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari has reacted to the news making rounds in the online media to the effect that he was in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), saying, “Iserved with the fear of God knowing fully well as a Muslim that if I do not account before man, I will account before Allah, and that I am better off accounting to the institutions of man.
Precise Post recalls that the social media was couple of days ago awash with news that the former NNPCL boss who was sacked on April 2nd, 2025 following the announcement of a comprehensive restructuring of the NNPCL is now in EFCC custody.
Responding to the news on his verified X account, Kyari said:
“I served not only my country but also God. I am happy to account for my stewardship”
“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 Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.”
He descrobed the rumour as clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only them know.
“At present, I am taking a well-deserved rest after the dissolution of the management and board of the NNPCL, of which I was the Group Chief Executive,” Kyari said.
He continued: “It should be stated that 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. So, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve under their Excellencies Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
“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, and that I am better off accounting to the institutions of man. Therefore, having served in public capacity, I am willing and happy to account for my stewardship in this world.”
Warning against the dangers of such unfounded rumour to the oil industry, economy and country, he said; ” it is important to state that the resort to disinformation does not serve anyones 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 thetefore urged the media to be circumspect and avoid being stampeded into misleading the public on unverified stories or matters that are subject of further validation by relevant organizations.
Kyari sincerely thankef his family and friends who have reached out to him or tried to do so and assured them that he is willingly available to respond to all lawful queries.
