By the IDNN Energy & Justice Desk | April 25, 2025
A coalition of Nigerian legal professionals under the banner of Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law has vowed to submit a formal Mele Kyari EFCC petition on Monday, calling for a comprehensive investigation into alleged corruption, debt deals, and refinery mismanagement during Kyari’s time as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The lawyers, who staged a protest outside the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja on Wednesday, accused Kyari of turning the state-run oil giant into “a racket in favour of his friends and associates.”
“There must be accountability. The refineries, the debt deals, and the crude allocations all need urgent forensic scrutiny,” said Emmanuel Agada, the group’s convener.
Mele Kyari EFCC Petition: Allegations of $2bn Crude-for-Loan Scheme
Central to the petition is a $2 billion debt allegedly owed by NNPCL to Matrix Energy Limited, reportedly serviced via a daily allocation of 80,000 barrels of crude oil under a crude-for-loan arrangement.
The petition also flags concerns over the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery, citing the controversial infusion of $400 million by Matrix Energy despite an existing $1.5 billion FEC-approved rehabilitation fund.
“Why is there a parallel investment in the refinery project? Who approved the crude-for-debt deal? Why wasn’t the public informed?” the group questioned.
The petition, co-signed by Agada and National Secretary Jonathan Uchendu, accuses Kyari of enabling non-transparent agreements, undermining public trust, and possibly misappropriating national resources.
Lawyers Demand Transparency, AGF Pledges Swift Review
The petition calls on the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to:
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Review all contracts signed under Kyari’s leadership
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Investigate the $2bn crude debt deal with Matrix Energy
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Quantify any financial losses and recommend recovery strategies
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Establish a commission of inquiry into refinery projects
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Support criminal prosecution if wrongdoing is found
The protest marked the second day of public demonstrations at the Ministry, following a similar call by Concerned Citizens Against Corruption on Tuesday.
Deputy Director Winifred Adekunle, who received the petition, assured the group that the AGF’s office will “respond appropriately and transparently.”
Mele Kyari and the NNPCL Reform Era
Appointed in 2019 and reappointed under President Tinubu’s administration, Mele Kyari oversaw a period of structural reform at NNPCL, including its transition into a limited liability company. However, his leadership was also marred by recurring accusations of opaque financial dealings, particularly around subsidy payments, fuel import contracts, and refinery rehabilitation.
Though removed earlier this year amid mounting pressure, no official probe had been launched—until now.