The investigations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is being targeted at former Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, describing the allegations against him as politically motivated.
The accusation was made by the Arewa Network of Social Reformers (ANSR) in a statement issued on Monday, signed by M. S. Lawal (PhD), National Director of Strategy and Acting Executive Director.
ANSR expressed concern over the controversy surrounding the Nigerian Senate’s investigation into alleged discrepancies totaling about ₦210 trillion in NNPCL audited accounts between 2017 and 2023, a period during which Kyari served as Group CEO.
The controversy intensified after the Senate Committee on Public Accounts reportedly ordered the issuance of a warrant to compel Kyari’s appearance following his failure to honour invitations to appear before the panel.
However, the Senate later nullified the committee’s decision, stating that only the Senate President has the authority to approve such a warrant.
ANSR said the Senate’s reversal highlighted procedural shortcomings and reinforced concerns that established parliamentary processes were not followed.
According to the group, information before the committee indicated that Kyari was receiving medical treatment abroad and had communicated his circumstances through appropriate channels, suggesting he had not deliberately sought to evade scrutiny.
The organisation argued that the decision to pursue an arrest warrant before exhausting other avenues of engagement created the impression of a predetermined outcome rather than an impartial investigation.
While affirming support for transparency and accountability, ANSR stressed that allegations against public officials should be investigated objectively and within the framework of the law, noting that the presumption of innocence remains a fundamental principle of justice.
The group further alleged that the accusations against Kyari were part of a coordinated effort to damage his reputation and undermine the economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
ANSR claimed the timing of the renewed allegations coincided with increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections and suggested that vested interests were attempting to influence public perception through selective release of documents and unverified claims.
The organisation maintained that all expenditures referenced in the allegations were properly authorised and processed through established government procedures, including budget approvals, procurement processes and statutory oversight mechanisms.
It added that records relating to approvals, disbursements, contract awards and project implementation were available for independent verification through relevant government agencies.
The group warned that it could pursue legal action, including defamation and libel suits, against individuals or organisations that publish what it described as false or unsubstantiated allegations without credible evidence.
ANSR concluded that available records and procedures showed Kyari acted within the scope of his legal authority and urged stakeholders to allow due process to prevail while avoiding speculation and politically motivated narratives.
