Former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, was on Wednesday interrogated at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over his alleged role in a $7.2 billion fraud scandal.
He was released after the interrogation, it was gathered.
Kyari arrived at the EFCC office at about 2:15 p.m. and was later allowed to leave after hours of questioning. Speaking briefly to reporters, he said: “I have done my part; the EFCC must do theirs. When each of us does our duty without fear or favour, with honour, respect and commitment, Nigeria moves forward.”
The former NNPCL boss is currently facing trial on charges bordering on conspiracy, abuse of office, money laundering and misappropriation of public funds, with investigators tracing suspicious transactions worth billions of naira to him and entities linked to his family.
Last month, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the freezing of four Jaiz Bank accounts tied to Kyari after the EFCC argued that they were being used to warehouse illicit funds. Justice Emeke Nwite granted the freeze order for 30 days, subject to renewal, pending the conclusion of investigations.
According to an affidavit filed by EFCC investigator Amin Abdullahi, the accounts, two in Kyari’s name and two belonging to the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief, were allegedly used to launder over ₦661.4 million. The anti-graft agency said its preliminary probe revealed the inflows were linked to transactions between the NNPCL and several oil companies.
The investigation followed a petition filed on April 24 by a civic group, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, which accused Kyari of presiding over fraudulent deals worth as much as $7.2 billion during his time at the helm of the NNPCL.
Justice Nwite has adjourned the matter to September 23 for a progress report, while the EFCC continues to build its case.
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