Activists demand action over alleged $3bn oil fraud

A group of Nigerian lawyers and civil society activists went to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja to demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, the former CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), says Pulse. The group, led by Barrister Ojonugwa Benjamine Theophilus, has accused Kyari of misappropriating billions of dollars during his tenure and first petitioned the EFCC in April. Nearly seven weeks later, they say the anti-graft agency has yet to take action. ‘We are here today as a group of lawyers and concerned Nigerian youths to follow up on our earlier petition. It is now 46 days since we submitted our petition, which contained details of the billions of dollars allegedly misappropriated by Mele Kolo Kyari during his time as Group CEO of NNPCL, and yet no concrete action seems to have been taken by this commission to assuage the grievances of Nigerians who demand accountability from public office holders,' Theophilus said. The group’s petition details allegations of misappropriation of funds, tax evasion, economic sabotage, and abuse of office. ‘We are also chagrined that despite our well-written petition, the EFCC is yet to officially invite Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari for questioning,’ Theophilus added. The group urged the EFCC to act swiftly, saying a firm response would restore public trust and demonstrate the agency’s commitment to fighting corruption.

Full report on the Pulse site