By Sam Kutos
Abuja, Nigeria – April 22, 2025
A group of protesters on Tuesday besieged the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), demanding an immediate investigation and prosecution of the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.
Operating under the banner of Concerned Citizens Against Corruption, the protesters, led by their convener Kabir Matazu, called for a thorough review of NNPCL’s transactions over the past five years. The group accused Kyari’s administration of overseeing several questionable deals and a lack of financial transparency.
Matazu expressed disappointment over what he described as the federal government’s inaction following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to dissolve the NNPCL board and remove Kyari from office on April 2, 2025.
“Nigerians welcomed the removal of the NNPCL’s former leadership with relief and optimism,” Matazu said. “However, it is deeply concerning that no concrete steps have been taken to investigate the widespread allegations of corruption under Kyari’s watch.”
The group cited the controversial rehabilitation and recommissioning of state-owned refineries as one of the major concerns. According to them, billions of dollars were allegedly expended on refinery repairs without clear accountability. They also raised questions about the financial arrangement involving Matrix Energy Limited.
“It is alarming that despite the Federal Executive Council’s approval of $1.5 billion for the Port Harcourt Refinery, Kyari’s administration claimed Matrix Energy invested an additional $400 million. Even more troubling is the report that NNPCL now owes Matrix Energy over $2 billion, a debt allegedly being repaid through daily crude oil allocations without corresponding payments,” Matazu alleged.
The group demanded that the AGF immediately review all agreements and financial dealings entered into by NNPCL under Kyari’s leadership. They urged the government to recover any misappropriated funds and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“This is not just about Mele Kyari,” Matazu added. “It is about sending a strong message that public officers will be held accountable for how they manage our collective resources.”
The protesters vowed to sustain their advocacy until transparency and accountability are restored in the operations of the NNPCL and other government institutions.
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