Skip to main content

Kyari on the ropes? EFCC under pressure to trace proceeds of $7.2bn 'refinery fraud'

A coalition of civic groups under the banner of the Coalition for Accountability in Public Resources (CAPR) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to go beyond “symbolic gestures” and recover every dollar of the $7.2 billion allegedly mismanaged under former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) boss, Mele Kyari, during failed refinery turnaround projects.

In a statement issued Monday in Abuja and signed by its National President, Comrade Ebiowei Ogoniba, CAPR accused the EFCC of “playing to the gallery” by merely freezing Kyari’s bank accounts while his children and relatives allegedly continue laundering illicit proceeds through real estate, foreign schools, luxury assets, and business ventures both at home and abroad.

Kyari, who was interrogated earlier this month and released, is under EFCC investigation for alleged diversion of funds earmarked for refinery rehabilitation — projects that left the country with non-functional refineries despite billions being disbursed.

“Freezing accounts is not justice. Nigerians are not interested in token gestures,” Ogoniba declared. “What the EFCC owes this nation is full recovery of the billions looted under Kyari’s supervision. That includes tracing the investments of his children, relatives, and cronies.”

ALSO READ: Court freezes 4 bank accounts linked to ex-NNPCL boss Kyari

The coalition described the scandal as a betrayal that has worsened Nigeria’s economic crisis, forcing reliance on fuel imports, inflating costs, and crippling industries once sustained by affordable energy.

According to Ogoniba, “Kyari presided over the darkest chapter in our oil sector. He promised to fix four refineries but left them in worse shape. Today, Nigerians pay the price while his children live obscenely on the ruins of national resources.”

CAPR further accused the EFCC of selective justice, noting that civil servants face public trials for minor infractions while politically connected figures are shielded.

“Nigerians are tired of theatrics. Unless the EFCC goes after the network of relatives and associates hiding this stolen wealth, their credibility will continue to sink,” the group said.

The coalition also called on President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate his government’s anti-corruption resolve by ensuring that those implicated in the refinery scandal face prosecution and full asset recovery.

“The refinery fraud is why small factories are shutting down, why millions of youths are jobless, and why transport costs remain unbearable. If this government is serious about reforms, it must insist that every kobo looted is returned,” Ogoniba stated.

Warning against attempts to sweep the matter under the carpet, CAPR stressed that transparency on the status of investigations is non-negotiable.

ALSO READ: Protesters storm UAE Embassy - demand deportation of ex-NNPC chief Mele Kyari

The coalition vowed to sustain pressure, urging civil society, labour unions, and the media to hold the EFCC accountable.

“The days of empty drama are over,” Ogoniba warned. “If the EFCC fails to do its duty, civil society will not hesitate to mobilise mass protests. History will remember whether the Commission chose justice or complicity.”

ridoola.blogspot.com.ng
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Okpebholo suspends A-G & LG Chair under 3 months over finance dealings

The Edo Government has announced the suspension of Samson Osagie , its Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Damian Lawani , chairman of the Local Government Service Commission. Mr Musa Ikhilor , Secretary to the State Government (SSG) announced the suspension in a statement in Benin on Thursday morning. ALSO READ: Kano Govt suspend 2 school principals for alleged absenteeism, negligence Ikhilor said the two-state top officials were suspended over allegations of “grave official and financial interactions”. Okpebholo suspends Edo Attorney-General and LG Service Commission Chairman According to him, the suspension, which takes immediate effect, is pending the conclusion of an investigation into the allegations. The SSG said; It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that Gov. Monday Okpebholo has approved the suspension from office of the Chairman of Edo Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Os...
Post a Comment
Read more

Tinubu appoints MKO Abiola's son, Jamiu as SSA on Linguistics & Foreign Matters

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Jamiu Abiola as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters. The appointee is one of the children of the late Chief Moshood Kolawole Abiola , the winner of the 1993 presidential election annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida . According to a statement by Segun Imohiosen , the Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, Jamiu's appointment took effect from November 14, 2024. Imohiosen said the appointment aligns with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008, as amended. Until his recent deployment, the appointee served as the Special Assistant to the President of Special Duties in the office of the Vice President. Tinubu tasked Jamiu to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Imaan: Nigeria’s 1st Female Police Affairs Minister & Iron Lady of Women’s Affairs

As a reform-minded technocrat and empathetic policymaker, she is a dynamic force, bringing hope, competence, and equity to every ministry she leads. Early life & Background Imaan was born on April 19, 1980, in Jos, Plateau State. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim was raised in Abuja, rooted in a purposeful family, her father, S. K. Danladi , an engineer-developer, and her mother, Aishatu , a teacher. As the second of eight children, she grew up with early lessons in discipline and education. ALSO READ: Can a Doctor Save Education? Olatunji Alausa’s cure for Nigeria’s learning crisis Education Imaan received her early schooling at Aruwa Nursery and Jabi Primary, later attending Federal Government Girls’ College, Bwari. She graduated younger than most people from the University of Abuja, BSc in Sociology at 19, then two master’s degrees (MBA and MA in Management) from Webster University, London, by age 21. As of 2025, she is completing a Doctorate in Security & Strategic Studies at t...
Post a Comment
Read more