The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has directed the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, to report at its Abuja headquarters daily as part of ongoing investigations into the alleged mismanagement of over $2.5 billion earmarked for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s four refineries.
Sources confirmed that Kyari, along with several former NNPC executives and contractors, is expected to be arraigned in court soon. The EFCC has already placed restrictions on some of his bank accounts.
Kyari first appeared before investigators on Wednesday, where he was interrogated over the disbursement of $1.55 billion for the Port Harcourt refinery, $740.6 million for Kaduna refinery, and $656.9 million for Warri refinery.
Detectives are also scrutinizing documents related to contracts awarded during his tenure.
A source said Kyari’s interrogation represents “the final lap” of the investigation, adding that the former GCEO has been granted bail on the condition that he reports daily to clarify documents and respond to pending queries.
“Barring last-minute evidence, we have enough to file charges against Kyari and some former NNPC officials. It will be up to them to prove their innocence in court,” the source said.
Since 2010, about $18 billion has reportedly been spent on turnaround maintenance of the nation’s refineries, which remain inoperable.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Sijibomi Ogundele, will remain in EFCC custody following allegations that he collected N5.7 billion from the Enugu State Government for the construction of 22 Smart Green Schools but failed to deliver on the contract.
The EFCC, which obtained a remand order from a magistrate court, has frozen Ogundele’s personal and company accounts and may seek a forfeiture order if the funds are not refunded.
According to investigators, Ogundele is expected to interface next week with top Enugu State officials to clarify how the funds were spent.
“He is yet to make any concession,” a source said. “The EFCC is in possession of the contract documents and payment records, and he will either explain how he utilized the money or refund it.”
The agency had declared Ogundele wanted last month for alleged money laundering.
