Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has categorically denied reports circulating online claiming his detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He denounced these reports as malicious and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation. In a statement released on his X (formerly Twitter) account late on Saturday, Kyari clarified that he is currently enjoying a period of rest following the recent dissolution of the NNPCL board and management by President Bola Tinubu. He affirmed his readiness to cooperate with any legitimate inquiries concerning his time at the helm of the NNPCL.
The rumors of Kyari’s alleged detention began circulating online, prompting concerned calls from family and friends. Kyari, who served the NNPCL for 34 years, including nearly six years as Group CEO, expressed his dismay at the false reports, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and accountability throughout his tenure. He underscored his belief in both earthly and divine accountability, stating his willingness to answer for his actions both to the public and to God.
Kyari’s dismissal, alongside that of the NNPCL chairman, Pius Akinyelure, occurred in April 2025, with President Tinubu appointing Bashir Ojulari as the new CEO. This change in leadership came amid a broader restructuring of the NNPCL and the Nigerian oil and gas sector. While the reasons for the dismissals were not explicitly stated, the timing fueled speculation, particularly given the ongoing efforts to reform the sector and combat corruption.
The dissemination of these unfounded allegations, according to Kyari, has the potential to harm Nigeria’s image internationally and deter potential investors. He appealed to the media to exercise responsibility and refrain from spreading unverified information, highlighting the potential damage to national interests. He emphasized the importance of accurate reporting and the need to avoid sensationalism, particularly in matters of national significance. Kyari expressed gratitude for the support he has received from friends and family and reiterated his willingness to address any legitimate inquiries regarding his tenure at the NNPCL.
The incident underscores the challenges posed by misinformation in the digital age, particularly in a context as sensitive as the Nigerian oil and gas sector. The rapid spread of false information can have significant repercussions, impacting public perception, investor confidence, and even national security. It highlights the need for responsible journalism and critical media literacy among the public to discern credible information from fabricated narratives.
Furthermore, the case raises questions about the motivations behind the spread of such rumors. Whether it was a deliberate smear campaign, an attempt to influence public opinion, or simply irresponsible reporting, the incident highlights the potential for misinformation to be weaponized for various purposes. It emphasizes the importance of verifying information from reliable sources and exercising caution when encountering unconfirmed reports, especially those circulating on social media. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in combating the spread of misinformation and protecting the integrity of public discourse.
