EFCC launches probe of Kyari, others over alleged misappropriation of $2.96bn refinery funds

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of $2.96 billion allocated for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s three major refineries.
A letter dated April 28, 2025, and addressed to the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) confirmed the commencement of the probe. The investigation targets several former senior officials of the company, including former Group CEO Mele Kyari and former Chief Operating Officer Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua.
The EFCC is examining the disbursement of $1.56 billion for the Port Harcourt refinery, $740 million for the Kaduna refinery, and $657 million for the Warri refinery. The commission is seeking to determine whether the funds were misused or diverted under the supervision of the listed officials.
Others under investigation include Isiaka Abdulrazak, Umar Ajiyap, Dikko Ahmed, Ibrahim Onoja, Ademoye Adeniyi Jelili, Mustapha Magaji Sugungun, Kayode Olusegun Adetokunbo, Efiok Michael Akpan, Babatunde Bakare, Jimoh Olasunkanmi, Bello Kankaya, and Desmond Inyama.
The ongoing inquiry is part of broader efforts to hold public officials accountable and ensure transparency in the management of public funds.