Mele Kyari Grilled By EFCC Over $7.2 Billion Refinery Turnaround Fund

Mele Kyari Grilled By EFCC Over $7.2 Billion Refinery Turnaround Fund

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) questioned Mr. Mele Kyari, the immediate past Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), on Wednesday as part of ongoing investigations into his tenure at the oil company.

Kyari arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, around 3:00 p.m. and was immediately engaged by a team of investigators probing the turnaround maintenance (TAM) of the Warri, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna refineries, as well as contracts awarded during his leadership.

According to a source who preferred anonymity, Kyari was invited to provide insights into the refurbishment projects and various contracts under his administration. It was unclear whether he would be allowed to leave the EFCC premises the same day, as he was expected to answer comprehensive questions about the investigation.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale was unavailable for comment. Previously, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the temporary freezing of four bank accounts linked to Kyari at Jaiz Bank, following allegations of fraud.

EFCC investigations revealed that approximately N661 million, suspected to be illicit proceeds, was traced to these accounts, two held in Kyari’s name and two under the Guwori Community Development Foundation, allegedly managed by his family members as fronts.

The EFCC further traced significant funds flowing from NNPCL and associated oil companies into these accounts. The court adjourned the matter until September 23.

In related probes, the EFCC had questioned former NNPCL Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajiya Isa regarding an alleged $7.2 billion fraud related to the refinery rehabilitation, and former Warri Refinery Managing Director Jimoh Olasunkanmi, both under scrutiny for abuse of office, corruption, and contract irregularities linked to the TAM projects.

These investigations form part of a wider EFCC effort targeting alleged financial misconduct, diversion of funds, and corrupt practices during Kyari’s leadership at NNPCL.

Over $2 billion was allocated for the Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of Nigeria’s refineries—$1.55 billion for Port Harcourt, $740.6 million for Kaduna, and $656.9 million for Warri—but there are serious questions about how these funds were spent.

The refineries remain largely non-functional despite massive expenditure amounting to more than $18 billion since 2010, with TAM projects failing to restore operations effectively.

Investigators uncovered evidence of widespread fraud involving over-invoicing, contract inflation, and questionable payments, which significantly contributed to the prolonged non-functionality of the refineries.

The EFCC has already recovered over N5 billion and $10 million from contractors and officials connected to the refinery deals and is pursuing the recovery of additional large sums allegedly siphoned through corrupt practices.

Four bank accounts linked to Kyari were frozen after investigations revealed they held approximately N661 million suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, with allegations suggesting these accounts were used for money laundering and operated via family members as fronts.

The probe also includes scrutiny of N4.8 trillion in operating costs incurred during Kyari’s tenure despite the refineries being mostly idle.

Several former senior NNPCL officials and contractors are under investigation, with charges being prepared for abuses related to the TAM contracts.

Kyari has maintained his innocence, stating he has nothing to hide and emphasizing the need for accountability from all parties involved.