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Tag: NNPCL

  • Olagbegi: NNPCL’s Odeh, Adewunmi will be instrumental to increased investment

    Olagbegi: NNPCL’s Odeh, Adewunmi will be instrumental to increased investment

    Daris Tele Limited, Chief Executive Officer, Tokunbo Olateru-Olagbegi, described the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) appointments of Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Andy Odeh and Chief Relations Officer, Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi as strategic, noting they would be instrumental in attracting investors into Nigeria’s gas sector and deep offshore exploration opportunities.

    In a congratulatory message to the duo, he said the appointments came at a pivotal time to drive the country’s energy transformation agenda.

    The statement, which was issued to The Nation in Abuja on Wednesday, said, “Daris Tele Limited extends heartfelt congratulations to NNPC Limited on the strategic appointments of Mr. Andy Odeh as Chief Corporate Communications Officer and Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi as Chief Relations Officer under the leadership of Engr. Bayo Ojulari.

    “These appointments come at a pivotal moment as NNPCL spearheads Nigeria’s energy transformation agenda, focusing on energy security, eliminating energy poverty, and increasing crude oil production to meet national and global demands.

    Read Also: NNPCL appoints Odeh, Adewunmi as key officers

    “Odeh brings over three decades of communications expertise across oil and gas, advertising, and broadcasting sectors, positioning him to drive NNPCL’s communications strategy during this critical transformation period.

    “Mrs. Adewunmi’s 25+ years of experience spanning legal, oil and gas, and government relations will be instrumental in attracting investors into Nigeria’s gas sector and deep offshore exploration opportunities.

    “As NNPCL prepares for its anticipated public listing on global stock exchanges, these appointments align with the company’s ambitious goal to increase energy sector investment by more than 40% by 2030.

    “This strategic expansion will enhance Nigeria’s position as a leading energy producer while addressing domestic energy needs and positioning the country as a preferred destination for international energy investments.

    “These distinguished professionals will play crucial roles in communicating NNPCL’s vision for energy security and sustainable development,” said Tokunbo Olateru-Olagbegi, CEO of

    Daris Tele Limited. “Their expertise will be vital in galvanising stakeholders and attracting the substantial investments needed to achieve our 2030 energy sector targets.”

    “Daris Tele Limited, an African-focused government relations firm specialising in energy sector strategic communication, investment marketing, and regulatory compliance advisory, pledges full support to the new leadership team.”

  • NNPCL appoints Odeh, Adewunmi as key officers

    NNPCL appoints Odeh, Adewunmi as key officers

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the appointment of its new Chief Corporate Communications Officer,  Andy Odeh. It also appointed Chief Relations Officer, Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi.

    This was contained in a press statement the state owned company issued on Tuesday.

    The statement said: “NNPC Limited Appoints New Corporate Communications, Relations Chiefs NNPC Ltd. is pleased to announce the appointment of two seasoned executives, Mr. Andy Odeh and Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi, to key leadership positions. Mr. Odeh assumes the role of Chief Corporate Communications Officer, while Mrs. Adewunmi has been appointed Chief Relations Officer.”

    According to the statement, Mr. Odeh brings over three decades of extensive experience in communications and business administration across the oil and gas, advertising, and broadcasting sectors. Prior to joining NNPC, he had a distinguished 26-year career at Nigeria LNG (NLNG). There, he held various leadership roles in Community Relations and Development; Business Logistics and Services; Information Management and Technology; Corporate Communications and Public Affairs; Government Relations and Regulatory Compliance, and most recently, General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development.

    He is recognised for his work on major public relations and advertising campaigns for top brands.

    At NLNG, he successfully managed the company’s rebranding and implemented one of Nigeria’s best-run micro-credit schemes for host communities.

    Mr. Odeh was also instrumental in instituting the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting. He is an alumnus of the University of Jos, the University of Lagos, INSEAD Business School, and the Nigeria Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), among others.

    Read Also: Fed Govt opens doors to local, foreign partnerships on renewable energy

    Mrs. Adewunmi is a legal professional with over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Her expertise is in stakeholder management and advocacy, particularly from her extensive tenure at the Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCIN). “She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex external landscapes, ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting the company’s “License to operate”.

    At Shell, she held key roles, including Regulatory Affairs Manager, where she managed all mandatory regulatory engagements and permits. As the Government Relations Manager, she built and maintained constructive relationships with the Presidency, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Mrs. Adewunmi is known for her strong leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to build robust stakeholder networks. She is a subject matter expert on non-technical risks and has a background in law from the Nigerian Law School and Olabisi Onabanjo University.

    The appointment of Odeh and Mrs. Adewunmi reflects NNPC Limited’s commitment to enhancing communication and engagement with stakeholders.

  • NNPCL appoints Odeh as Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Adewunmi as CRO

    NNPCL appoints Odeh as Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Adewunmi as CRO

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the appointment of Mr. Andy Odeh as its new Chief Corporate Communications Officer.

    The state-owned company also named Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi as Chief Relations Officer.

    The appointments were disclosed in a press statement issued by NNPCL on Tuesday.

    The statement said, “NNPC Limited Appoints New Corporate Communications, Relations Chiefs

    NNPC Ltd. is pleased to announce the appointment of two seasoned executives, Mr. Andy Odeh and Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi, to key leadership positions. Mr. Odeh assumes the role of Chief Corporate Communications Officer, while Mrs. Adewunmi has been appointed Chief Relations Officer.”

    According to the statement, Mr. Odeh brings over three decades of extensive experience in communications and business administration across the oil and gas, advertising, and broadcasting sectors. 

    Prior to joining NNPC, he had a distinguished 26-year career at Nigeria LNG (NLNG). There, he held various leadership roles in Community Relations and Development; Business Logistics and Services; Information Management and Technology; Corporate Communications and Public Affairs; Government Relations and Regulatory Compliance, and most recently, General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development.

    He is recognized for his work on major public relations and advertising campaigns for top brands. 

    At NLNG, he successfully managed the company’s rebranding and implemented one of Nigeria’s best-run micro-credit schemes for host communities.

    Mr. Odeh was also instrumental in instituting the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting. He is an alumnus of the University of Jos, the University of Lagos, INSEAD Business School, and the Nigeria Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), among others.

    Mrs. Adewunmi is a legal professional with over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Her expertise is in stakeholder management and advocacy, particularly from her extensive tenure at the Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCIN).

    “She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex external landscapes, ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting the company’s “License to operate.”

    At Shell, she held key roles, including Regulatory Affairs Manager, where she managed all mandatory regulatory engagements and permits. 

    As the Government Relations Manager, she built and maintained constructive relationships with the Presidency, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

    Mrs. Adewunmi is known for her strong leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to build robust stakeholder networks. She is a subject matter expert on non-technical risks and has a background in law from the Nigerian Law School and Olabisi Onabanjo University.

    The appointment of Mr. Odeh and Mrs. Adewunmi reflects NNPC Limited’s commitment to enhancing communication and engagement with stakeholders.

  • Niger Delta group lauds Tinubu, NNPCL boss, disowns protests against reforms

    Niger Delta group lauds Tinubu, NNPCL boss, disowns protests against reforms

    A Coalition of Niger Delta Groups, made up of the Niger Delta Peace Awareness Movement (NDPAM), Youths And Peace Advocate Movement of South South (YPAMSS) and Volunteer Unity Force of Niger Delta (VUFND), has praised President Bola Tinubu and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bayo Ojulari, for their transformative leadership in the oil and gas sector.

    Following a solidarity visit to the NNPC Towers in Abuja, the group commended Ojulari’s commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, evident in his sweeping reforms, which they say are revitalising the sector and unsettling entrenched interests.

    In a statement by Briggs Lokpobiri, the group noted that since his appointment in April, Ojulari, a seasoned engineer with over 34 years of experience, including a stint as Managing Director at Shell, has introduced bold initiatives to reposition NNPCL for global competitiveness.

    Within his first 100 days, Lokpobiri said daily crude oil production has surged from 1.2 million to 1.8 million barrels, driven by enhanced collaboration with upstream partners and improved pipeline security.

    For the first time in years, Lokpobiri added that the NNPCL resumed publishing monthly financial and operational reports, a move hailed as a hallmark of transparency.

    The NDPAM highlighted NNPCL’s ambitious investment drive, targeting $30 billion by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030.

    “Key projects, including the Ntokon Offshore Development, OML 29 Production Expansion, and the Brass Methanol & Fertiliser Project, are expected to create jobs, boost revenue, and push oil production to 2 million barrels per day by 2027,” the statement added. 

    “Gas output is also projected to reach 8–10 billion cubic feet daily, supporting industrial growth and power supply. These reforms, anchored on the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), have positioned NNPCL as a beacon of progress.”

    The Coalition regretted that Ojulari’s reforms have faced resistance from vested interests.

    While dismissing protests by “faceless elements” unknown to the region, Lokpobiri accused them of being sponsored by cabals threatened by Ojulari’s anti-corruption measures.

    “These disgruntled individuals are enemies of Nigeria’s progress,” he said, disassociating the Niger Delta from their actions.

    “Their recent disruptions at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, falsely calling for Ojulari’s resignation, are nothing but orchestrated attempts to perpetuate corruption and inefficiency,” he added. 

    “We categorically disassociate the Niger Delta region from these sponsored agitators and condemn their actions in the strongest terms.”

    The group praised President Tinubu for appointing Ojulari, describing it as a masterstroke that signals an end to business as usual at NNPCL.

    Read Also: Ojulari: NNPCL lost $500m monthly to refineries operation

    “The Coalition of Niger Delta Groups stands firmly with President Tinubu and Engr. Ojulari. The early signs of their leadership are overwhelmingly positive, and we urge all Nigerians to support these efforts for the greater good.

    “We call for patience as these transformative changes take root, confident that they will yield sustainable benefits for generations to come. To the detractors, we say: your plots have failed, and the will of the Nigerian people will prevail.

    “Engr. Ojulari’s resolve to resist short-term pressures and focus on long-term gains, as evidenced by his commitment to sustainable refinery operations through the Incorporated Joint Venture (IJV) model, is a beacon of hope.

    “We salute his resilience and the support of his capable team, including Adedapo Segun, Isiyaku Abdullahi, and Udobong Ntia, whose expertise is driving NNPCL’s modernisation.”

  • NNPCL business team commences off-taker engagement for AKK

    NNPCL business team commences off-taker engagement for AKK

    Ahead of the completion of the Ajaokuta Kaduna Kano (AKK) Gas pipeline, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) business team has commenced off-takers engagement for the operation.

    The Group Chief Executive Officer GCEO Engr Bashir Bayo Ojulari broke the news when the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) management team paid him at courtesy visit in the NNPCL Towers, Abuja.

    He said the business team is helping the customers and off-takers to establish the operational structure.

    According to him, the AKK transcends the pipeline to the growth of the business in terms of power, industrial Park, and the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) extensions.

    His words: “So we’re not just working on the pipeline. Our gas and new business team are actively engaging the market already.

    “We are engaging customers, off takers and helping them to put structures in place to ensure that it’s not about the gas line, it’s about the growth of the businesses, both in terms of power, industrial park, CNG extensions that are gonna come off on the back of AKK alone.”

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    Ojulari described the AKK as a major game changer for the country as the gas would bring several industries for significant positive impacts.

    NNPCL, according to him, is examining ways to further expand the Escravos -Lagos Pipeline System (ELSP) that supplies gas to the entire West zone.

    The essence of the expansion is to allow the people feel the impact of the NNPCL.

    He added that the company is also mulling the idea of extending the West African Pipeline to Morocco.

    According to him: “In addition to that, we are looking at further expansion of the ELPS, as you know, which is supplying the whole Western zone and all the industrialization around LeKki and other part of the West Oil State.
    ” All of those are part of what is in the works to ensure that our work truly impacts society and the impact can be felt.
    “And not to mention, of course, as you are aware of, we’re also thinking about extending the WAPI, which has been the West African Gas Pipeline further north across Africa up to Morocco.”

    He said there is a lot of growth opportunities in the way from what NNPCL is doing.

    In terms of aspirations, he recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave the new management the mandate to ramp up oil production to 3 million barrels per day and also to raise gas output to 20 billion cubic feet per day by 2030.

    Continuing, he vowed that the aspiration of NNPC is to hit the gas target and for the company to meet the target of additional 500,000 barrels per day in 2030, it needs a minimum of $60 billion investment.

    Ojulari said:”Our aspiration is to pitch that target on the gas. You’ve also noticed the refinery capacity where we are required to have additional refining capacity of 500,000 barrels per day by 2030. And to achieve that, we are required to bring in additional investment of minimum of $60 billion.”
    He pledged the commitment of NNPCL to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) standards.
    ” I want to give you my commitment to increase and deeper transparency and accountability. In terms of our full compliance to the whole 90 principles and EITI global standards, you have my full commitments,” he said.

    NEITI Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji had informed him that the global body -EITI- sought NNPCL to develop a culture of data disclosure.

    Orji also requested NNPCL to restore all discontinued disclosures on its platforms.

  • BREAKING: Niger Delta youths barricade NNPCL Towers

    BREAKING: Niger Delta youths barricade NNPCL Towers

    A coalition of Niger Delta Youth leaders on Wednesday staged a protest at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Towers in Abuja with a call on the Group Chief Executive Officer of the oil giant, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari to quit over alleged corruption and mismanagement.

    They also called for the appointment of an indigene of the Niger Delta region as the GCEO of the NNPCL.

    The youths who arrived the towers in their numbers from around 6am successfully blocked the entrance and exit gates of the NNPCL Towers.

    They carried banners with different inscriptions and continuously chanted solidarity songs amid music supplied by a local orchestra and modern music blaring from loud speakers positioned in an opened truck stationed near towers.

    The protest disrupted vehicular traffic on the ever busy Herbert Macualay Way in the Central Business District.

    Security agents including men of the Nigeria Police Force who were drafted to the scene in their numbers appealed to the protesters to maintain decorum and ensure that the protest was peaceful.

    The security operatives also ensured that traffic was diverted to one lane of the dual carriage way leading to the NNPCL towers.

    Workers were forced to park their cars far away from the gates of the Towers due to the protest.

    However, the protesters later cleared off the highway and massed at the exit gate of the Towers following an appeal by a representative of the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil)), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.

    This development led to the opening of the second lane of the dual carriage way to vehicular traffic. 

    The protest though disruptive was peaceful.

    Details shortly…

  • NNPCL asset securitization policy is a game changer

    NNPCL asset securitization policy is a game changer

    By Lucky Ighoyota

    In June 2025, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) recorded a milestone of 100% availability on its major crude oil pipelines, leading to a rebound in crude oil and condensate production and contributing to increased revenue for the month. This achievement, the first in a long time, was driven by industry-wide security interventions and effective contract management on key infrastructure projects. 

    This milestone boosted crude oil and condensate production to 1.68 million barrels per day in June 2025, the highest since January. The increased production and stable pipeline availability contributed to NNPC’s total revenue of N4.571 trillion for June 2025. 

    The 100% pipeline availability directly supported increased crude oil output and, consequently, higher revenue for the nation. 

    The achievement boosted confidence in Nigeria’s oil sector and signaled a sustained recovery in upstream activities. It also demonstrated progress in completing critical gas infrastructure projects, crucial for delivering gas to industrial and population centers. 

    But in July, the company recorded a substantial decline in its profit after tax, dropping from N905bn in June to N185bn in July. This represents a staggering 79.6% decrease in profit. The July figure marked a significant decline even as oil production rose marginally from 1.68 million barrels per day to 1.7 mbpd, while natural gas production was 7.7 billion cubic feet, compared to 7.58 bcf last month.

    Although the NNPCL didn’t provide any explanation for this sharp decline in July, but giving the facts on ground based on key challenges before the global production index, one could easily peg this profit slump on lower crude production Nigeria has struggled to meet its OPEC production quota, averaging below the expected 1.5 million barrels per day, due to persistent issues such as underinvestment in upstream operations, the company’s extensive refinery rehabilitation program, which, while necessary for long-term self-sufficiency, has demanded substantial capital expenditure.

    NNPCL is investing heavily in restoring key refineries, including those in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, with the goal of reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products. While these projects are expected to yield benefits in the medium to long term, they have currently placed significant pressure on cash flow.

    Beyond operational setbacks, external market conditions have also played a role in the recent performance slump. Crude oil prices, though relatively stable, have seen fluctuations due to global supply uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and shifting demand patterns. 

    Although, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari informed stakeholders that the dip in profits was anticipated as part of a broader strategy to position the company for sustainable growth. According to him, current investments are aimed at enhancing domestic refining capacity, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring long-term profitability were part of factors responsible for the slump. Hence, once the refinery projects come on stream and upstream production stabilizes, the company expects to deliver stronger financial results.

    The profit slump in July would have been worse if the pipeline securitization policy is not in place. If the rebound in crude oil and condensate production that contributed to the increased revenue for the month of June was based on industry-wide security interventions and effective contract management on key infrastructure projects, it shows that if the securitization policy is not in place, the profit slump would have been terrible. 

    The primary benefit of an NNPC Pipeline Securitization Policy being marshaled by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) and others is the substantial reduction in losses from oil theft and vandalism, projected to save Nigeria hundreds of millions of dollars monthly. This policy also enhances the efficiency and security of the entire national energy infrastructure, fostering economic growth, increasing industrial capacity, and contributing to greater energy self-sufficiency and product supply within Nigeria and the ECOWAS region. 

    The policy directly addresses pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, which result in significant daily revenue loss for the nation. Securitization helps stop this bleeding, potentially saving hundreds of millions of dollars each month. 

    A more secure and efficient pipeline network attracts investment, creating new business opportunities for potential investors and facilitating expansion within the region. By ensuring the stable and reliable flow of oil and refined products, the policy supports industrial capacity growth, population growth, and an increase in Nigeria’s per capita income. 

    By securing infrastructure, the NNPCL effectively delivers crude oil to refineries, support the goal of achieving national self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products. Also, the secured pipeline network guarantees the reliable delivery of fuel and other petroleum products, which is crucial for the everyday functioning of the economy and society. 

    This policy has impacted revenue projections for oil production in Nigeria, a country that remains heavily reliant on petroleum as its primary source of income.

    Lucky Ighoyota writes from Warri, Delta State.

  • NNPCL, gas suppliers sign 1.29bscf/d Feedgas GSAs with NLNG

    NNPCL, gas suppliers sign 1.29bscf/d Feedgas GSAs with NLNG

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and several upstream gas suppliers have signed long-term Gas Supply Agreements (GSAs) with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) for the delivery of 1.29 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscf/d) of Feedgas.

    The 20-year agreements, with extension options, were signed at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Friday by the NLNG and Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited; Sunlink Energies and Resources Limited;

    First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited; SNEPCo; NNPC Gas Marketing Limited; NNPC E&P Limited; Shell Nigeria Gas Solutions Limited; Oando Group; and Aradel Holdings.

    NNPCL made this known in a statement. The agreements, aimed at bridging the prolonged shortfall in upstream gas availability, marks a major boost for Nigeria’s energy transition agenda and the Federal Government’s gas reforms aimed at strengthening the nation’s economic prosperity and energy security.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, commended NLNG’s shareholders and the Federal Government for their long-term commitment to value delivery despite the challenges faced over the years. He described the agreements as a giant step towards value creation and sustainable gas supply.

    “These GSAs have opened up opportunities for the growth of our industry both for local and international development. They’re hinged on collaboration, synergies and opportunities. We need to leverage economies of scale, share risk and opportunities for us to attain Mr. President’s Decade of Gas vision,” he said.

    Ojulari lauded the enabling environment and private sector support fostered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Read Also: ASUP gives FG 21-day strike notice, lists demands 

    Presidential Executive Orders for the industry, pledging to work with partners to unlock opportunities for collective prosperity, in line with the national gas development targets for incremental production.

    NLNG Managing Director, Philip Mshelbila, who hailed the GSAs as a game-changer for Nigeria’s gas industry, said they will enhance local gas production capacity, improve supply reliability, and advance the nation’s energy security, industrialisation aspirations, and economic growth.

    “We could not have achieved this sooner without the deliberate and concerted efforts of our shareholders and stakeholders in the energy industry in Nigeria. These agreements are a turning point in NLNG’s journey, restoring reliability of supply and ensuring we remain firmly on the path of growth and expansion,” Mshelbila noted.

    According to him, the new GSAs reinforce Nigeria’s role in the global energy market while strengthening feed gas supply to the Bonny Island plant and supporting the company’s expansion drive.

    The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) is an incorporated joint venture (IJV), with NNPC Ltd holding 49%, Shell Gas 25.6%, TotalEnergies 15%, and Eni International 10.4%.

  • Arewa Progressive Vanguard warns against attacks on NNPCL CFO Segun

    Arewa Progressive Vanguard warns against attacks on NNPCL CFO Segun

    The Arewa Progressive Vanguard (APV), a sociopolitical network spanning the 19 Northern states and the diaspora, has urged individuals, groups, and associations to desist from launching further attacks on the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Adedapo Segun.

    Mr. Segun, who assumed office as CFO in November 2024, has faced mounting criticisms from various quarters, with some dragging him to court and others questioning the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over his exclusion from its probe into alleged mismanagement of funds allocated to the Port Harcourt refinery.

    In a statement signed on Thursday by its Global President, Alhaji Idris Musa, APV condemned calls for Segun’s resignation, describing them as baseless and capable of stoking ethnic tensions.

    The group emphasized that the NNPCL, being a highly strategic and sensitive national corporation, requires stability at the top. It added that the office of the CFO demands an atmosphere of calm and focus for the occupant to deliver effectively on his responsibilities.

    “We read few days ago, where one group was even accusing the EFCC of selective probe. They alleged that it was because Mr. Adedapo Segun is a Yoruba man, that’s why the antigraft agency secluded him from the ongoing probe.

    “We view such comment as myopic, insensitive and highly inflammatory. We are known reputable and international organisation known for advancement of peace, unity and development in the northern region. As a responsible group, we make bold to say that, such comments should not be coming from a northern group. 

    Read Also: The “Arewa” North and our parasitic federalism and kwashiorkor democracy (1)

    “Corruption does not know tribe or region. And the EFCC is a competent and professional organisation that needs no validation from any group before it does its work. If Mr. Segun is culpable, I’m sure the EFCC won’t let him go. But we should also be sensitive not to cause issues where not necessary.

    “We therefore call on those fanning the ember of ethnic crises to refrain from if forthwith. We have been there before and we can’t afford another civil war in Nigeria. We should be patient with the institutions empowered for investigations and prosecutions. We should desist from social media trials and distractions. Such an office of the CFA is very sensitive and key to national economic growth. We should not use our hands to destroy our own legacy and institution”, the group stressed further.

    The Arewa group, however, said Mr. Segun will not be spared, if investigations find him culpable. But for the main time, “people or groups should not be allowed to be used as tools for blackmail and saboteur”.

  • Alleged fraud: Court freezes ex-NNPCL boss Mele Kyari’s N661m in four bank accounts

    Alleged fraud: Court freezes ex-NNPCL boss Mele Kyari’s N661m in four bank accounts

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered a temporary freezing of four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to the former Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kolo Kyari, over allegations bordering on fraud.

    Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Tuesday while ruling on an ex parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1641 brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which was argued by its lawyer, Ogechi Ujam.

    Although the EFCC had urged the court to freeze the account for 60 days to enable it to conclude the ongoing investigation, Justice Nwite limited the tenure of the order to 30, which he said could be renewed if necessary.

    Ujam had told the court that the temporary freezing order was necessary because the accounts were currently being investigated in a case involving the offences of conspiracy, abuse of office and money laundering pending the conclusion of the investigation.

    She identified the accounts as Jaiz Bank account number: 0017922724 with account name: Mele Kyari; Jaiz Bank account number: 0017922724 with account name: Mele Kyari; Jaiz Bank account number: 0018575055 with account name: Guwori Community Dev. and Jaiz Bank account number: 0018575141 with account name: Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief.

    Ruling, Justice Nwite said, “I have listened to counsel to the applicant and gone through the affidavit evidence with the exhibits and written address attached.

    “I find that this application is meritorious and it is hereby granted as prayed,” he said.

    The judge then adjourned till September 23 for the EFCC to report on further developments.

    The EFCC predicated its motion on three grounds, to the effect that the bank accounts are subject matters of ongoing investigation by the commission in relation to misappropriation of funds and criminal breach of trust.

    It stated that the preliminary investigation conducted thus far revealed that the bank accounts are linked to the suspect, who took advantage of the complainant to be a contract facilitator and launder proceeds of unlawful activities.

    The EFCC added that there is a need to preserve the funds in the identified bank accounts pending the conclusion of the investigation and possible prosecution,” it added

    It stated, in a supporting affidavit, that officials of its Special Investigations (SIS) unit received a petition dated April 24 and filed by a group, the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law, against Kyari.

    It said investigation so far revealed, among others, “that N661,464,601.50, which are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, warehoused in four different accounts.

    “These funds were traced to the suspect Mele Kolo Kyari, who is the former Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    “The suspect opened various accounts in Jaiz Bank, which have been used to receive suspicious inflows from NNPC and various oil companies that have dealings with NNPC.

    Read Also: Lawyers, CSOs return to EFCC to demand arrest of ex-NNPCL boss Kyari

    “Bank records revealed that these accounts are controlled and managed by Mr Kyari through his family members who are acting as fronts.

    “Further investigation revealed that the said transactions in the various accounts were disguised as payments for a purported book launch and activities of a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

    “The commission (EFCC) has written to Jaiz Bank, where the four accounts referred to are domiciled, for the hard copies of the comprehensive account details.

    “While responses of the banks are being awaited, the commission has written to post a no debit instruction on the accounts, which will only last for 72 hours.

    “An order of this honourable court is necessary to freeze the said accounts clearly described in schedule 1 to the Motion paper for while investigation is ongoing.

    “It is in the interest of justice to grant this application,” it said.