Tensions rise as protesters storm streets, demand probe of Mele Kyari’s NNPCL reign
A coalition of protesters under the banner of concerned citizens against corruption (CCAC) stormed the office of the Attorney General of the Federation at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja on Tuesday, demanding a thorough investigation into the tenure of Mele Kyari, former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
Led by their convener, Kabir Matazu, the group expressed frustration over the lack of action since President Bola Tinubu dismissed Kyari and the entire NNPCL board on April 2, 2025. Despite the public praise that followed their removal, the protesters decried the absence of a formal probe into alleged corruption under Kyari’s watch.
“It’s on record that the removal of the corrupt leadership of the NNPCL was welcomed by Nigerians, especially groups like ours who have long advocated for transparency and accountability in governance,” Matazu stated.
READ ALSO: Tinubu sacks NNPC boss Kyari, all board members, names replacements
The CCAC is calling for a deep investigation into NNPCL’s financial dealings over the past five years, with specific focus on the rehabilitation and operational restart of Nigeria’s government-owned refineries. Matazu cited widespread concern over billions of dollars reportedly spent on refinery repairs, which he claimed were marked by a lack of transparency.
He also drew attention to a controversial $2 billion debt allegedly owed by the NNPCL to Matrix Energy—a company said to be receiving crude oil allocations in lieu of cash payments. “The numbers don’t add up,” Matazu said. “How can NNPCL claim to have invested billions in refineries while simultaneously owing Matrix Energy through crude oil deals?”
The group demanded clarity on the terms of the NNPCL-Matrix Energy agreement, the identities of the parties involved, and why the public has been left in the dark about the deal.
According to CCAC, a full investigation into these allegations could help the federal government recover mismanaged public funds and hold those responsible accountable.
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