Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has denied reports claiming he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement posted on his official X handle, late night on Saturday, May 3,Kyari described the rumours as false and mischievous, adding that he is currently on a well-earned rest after leaving office.
“At present, I am taking a well-deserved rest after the dissolution of the management and board of the NNPCL, of which I was the Group Chief Executive,” he said.
Reflecting on his career, Kyari noted that he worked for 34 years with the NNPC and NNPCL, nearly 18 of them in leadership roles, including close to six years as the head of the national oil company.
“I had little time for leave of even two weeks,” he explained, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve under both Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also stressed the moral compass that guided his public service. “I must emphasise 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, and that I am better off accounting to the institutions of man,” Kyari stated.
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“Therefore, having served in public capacity, I am willing and happy to account for my stewardship in this world.”
Kyari criticised those behind the arrest claims, warning that such disinformation could harm the country’s image.
“However, it is important to state that 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.”
He urged the media to verify reports before publication. “It is in this regard that I urge the media to be circumspect and avoid being stampeded into misleading the public on unverified stories or matters that are subject to further validation by relevant organisations.”
Kyari concluded by thanking those who reached out to check on him. “I sincerely thank my family and friends who have reached out to me or tried to do so, and assure them that I am available to respond to all lawful queries.”