Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has firmly denied reports claiming he is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), amid an ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of $2.9 billion meant for refinery rehabilitation.

In a statement posted on Saturday via his X (formerly Twitter) account, Kyari described the reports as “clear mischief” and accused unnamed individuals of attempting to tarnish his reputation.

“Over the past few days, and particularly 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 EFCC.

This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only they know,” he wrote.

Kyari, who was recently relieved of his position following a presidential directive that dissolved the NNPCL board and management, revealed he is currently on a “well-deserved rest” after decades of public service.

“Having served the NNPC and NNPCL for 34 years — with 17 of those in management roles, including the last 5 years and 9 months as GCEO — I had very little time off, not even two weeks of leave,” he noted.

Ready to Account

While asserting his innocence, Kyari expressed a strong willingness to account for his stewardship, both to the Nigerian authorities and before God.

“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.

Having served in public capacity, I am willing and happy to account for my stewardship in this world,” he stated.