(DDM) – The former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, has regained his freedom after being questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Kyari was released late Wednesday night following hours of interrogation at the Commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.
The ex-NNPC boss had honoured an invitation to appear before EFCC operatives earlier in the day.
He was subsequently detained and questioned over allegations of fund diversion related to Nigeria’s long-troubled refinery maintenance projects.
Investigations reportedly centred on financial and technical transactions connected to the $7.2 billion refinery turnaround maintenance programme.
The programme has faced intense scrutiny for years due to its failure to revive the nation’s refineries despite huge budgetary allocations.
Sources confirmed that Kyari responded to detailed questions concerning the management of funds earmarked for the maintenance scheme.
The probe followed recent developments in which a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the freezing of four bank accounts allegedly linked to him.
The order heightened public debate over accountability in the petroleum sector and transparency in government spending.
Kyari’s release on Wednesday night has already stirred reactions, with many Nigerians questioning the pace and seriousness of the investigation.
Critics argue that the refinery maintenance programme has become a symbol of corruption and inefficiency in Nigeria’s oil sector.
Billions of dollars have been allocated to reviving refineries, yet none of them currently operates at full capacity.
The continued reliance on fuel importation has worsened economic pressures, leaving citizens to grapple with rising petrol costs.
Kyari, who led NNPCL until July 2024, was a central figure in the push for reforms in the state-owned oil company.
His leadership came under increased scrutiny as refinery projects failed to deliver results despite huge investments.
The EFCC, under pressure from the public, has been investigating several top officials over alleged financial mismanagement in the oil industry.
Kyari’s questioning marks another step in ongoing attempts to address accountability in a sector historically plagued by graft.
However, his quick release without clear charges has raised fresh doubts about whether the probe will lead to prosecution.
For many Nigerians, the incident reflects a recurring pattern where powerful figures are questioned but rarely held to account.
The refinery maintenance programme remains a sore point in Nigeria’s energy narrative, as billions have gone down without tangible improvement.
Stakeholders say the EFCC must push the investigation to its logical conclusion if public trust is to be restored.
Kyari’s case will likely remain in the spotlight as Nigerians await updates on whether charges will follow or the matter will quietly fade.
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