A coalition of lawyers and concerned citizens is pressing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately arrest former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari, accusing him of diverting billions of dollars during his tenure.
On April 25, 2025, Barrister Ojonugwa Theophilus filed a petition with the EFCC detailing charges of fund misappropriation, tax evasion, economic sabotage and abuse of office against Mr. Kyari. Forty‑six days after the petition was officially received, the group says it has seen no sign of enforcement.
“We are here today as a group of lawyers and concerned Nigerian youths to follow up on our earlier petition, with the above title, submitted and received by the Commission on the 25th of April, 2025, Barrister Ojonugwa Theophilus said on Tuesday.
According to him, their allegations against Kyari are clear and include misappropriation of funds, tax evasion, economic sabotage, and abuse of office.
He added that, despite the comprehensive evidence in their dossier—comprising bank statements, contract records and affidavits from whistle‑blowers—the EFCC has yet to take tangible steps toward his arrest. “Despite our detailed concerns, little has been done to arrest the ex‑NNPCL boss,” Theophilus lamented, warning that delays at this level risk eroding confidence in Nigeria’s anti‑corruption framework.