Massive Outrage Erupts: 5,000 Protesters Storm Abuja Demanding Probe of Ex-NNPCL Boss Mele Kyari

 Abuja witnessed an unprecedented uprising as 5,000 protesters stormed the Federal Ministry of Justice, demanding a comprehensive investigation into Mele Kyari, the recently sacked Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). 

This massive demonstration, organized by the Concerned Citizens Against Corruption, reflects deep-seated frustration with alleged mismanagement and corruption in Nigeria’s oil sector.

Kyari, dismissed by President Bola Tinubu on April 2, 2025, faces accusations of overseeing financial irregularities, particularly in the stalled rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery. Reports suggest that billions of dollars, including a $1.5 billion federal allocation, were invested in the project, yet the refinery remains non-operational. Additionally, a company linked to Kyari allegedly received significant crude oil allocations, fueling suspicions of favoritism and opaque dealings.

Protesters, led by vocal activists, called for a judicial review of all NNPCL contracts signed under Kyari’s leadership and the establishment of a special commission to probe financial transactions. Their demands highlight broader concerns about transparency in Nigeria’s oil industry, a critical driver of the nation’s economy. The demonstration, marked by passionate speeches and placards, underscores the public’s demand for accountability from those entrusted with national resources.

The Tinubu administration now faces pressure to address these allegations swiftly to restore public confidence. The outcome of this protest could reshape Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and influence future governance of its oil sector. As tensions rise, the nation awaits decisive action.