, has vehemently denied){kind=link}
The claim that I was in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only them know.
Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has vehemently denied circulating rumors that he is being held in custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Describing the reports as “clear mischief” and a “calculated attempt” to tarnish his reputation, Kyari emphasized that these claims are entirely baseless.
In a statement posted on his X handle late on Saturday night, Kyari clarified that he is currently enjoying a “well-deserved rest” following the recent dissolution of the NNPCL board and management.
He reiterated his commitment to cooperating with any lawful inquiry or investigation into his tenure as CEO of the NNPCL, expressing his willingness to provide any necessary information or clarification.
Kyari’s statement aims to set the record straight and reassure the public that he is not facing any detention or restrictive measures by the EFCC.
By addressing these rumors directly, Kyari seeks to protect his personal and professional reputation from what he perceives as malicious attempts to discredit him.
Kyari wrote, “Over the past few days and in particular in the past two 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.
“This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only them know.
“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… I am happy to account for my stewardship in this world.
“The resort to disinformation does not serve anyone’s purpose, the NNPCL or the country in general, as it has the potential to send the wrong signals to investors and the international community.”
IREPORT247NEW had earlier reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has overhauled the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), replacing the chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, and the group chief executive officer, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, along with all other board members appointed in November 2023.
President Tinubu, exercising his authority under the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, stated that the restructuring aims to boost operational efficiency, restore investor confidence, promote local content, drive economic growth, and advance gas commercialization and diversification.