The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of funds involving former top officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), including ex-CEOs Mele Kyari and Abubakar Yar’Adua.

The EFCC is scrutinizing the controversial $2.896 billion spent on refinery rehabilitation projects under their tenure. According to a letter dated April 28, 2025, the commission requested certified records of salaries and allowances for 14 current and former officials, including those who have since retired.

Among those under investigation are former NNPC executives Mele Kyari, Abubakar Yar’Adua, and Ibrahim Onoja, along with other officials who oversaw the rehabilitation of key refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the ongoing investigation but withheld specific details.

“This investigation is focused on potential abuse of office and mismanagement of funds,” Oyewale said.

The massive expenditure of nearly $3 billion on refinery upgrades remains a point of contention, with the EFCC now seeking to uncover discrepancies and possible financial misconduct linked to these projects.

Recently, a sweeping organizational shake-up at NNPC saw the removal of several top officials, including the Group CEO Mele Kyari, and the appointment of new leadership under Bayo Ojulari.