Former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive, Mele Kyari, has denied reports that he is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In a statement, Kyari described the claims as “clear mischief and a calculated attempt” to achieve a desired outcome.

Kyari said he is currently taking a well-deserved rest after the dissolution of the management and board of the NNPCL. “At present, I am taking a well-deserved rest after the dissolution of the management and board of the NNPCL, of which I was the Group Chief Executive,” he stated.

The former NNPC boss emphasized that he is willing and happy to account for his stewardship, having served in public capacity for 34 years. “I served with the fear of God knowing fully well as a Muslim that if I do not account before man, I will account before Allah, and that I am better off accounting to the institutions of man,” Kyari said.

He urged the media to be circumspect and avoid spreading unverified stories or matters that are subject to further validation by relevant organizations. “It is in this regard that I urge the media to be circumspect and avoid being stampeded into misleading the public on unverified stories or matters that are subject of further validation by relevant organizations,” Kyari stated.

Kyari thanked his family and friends who have reached out to him and assured them that he is available to respond to all lawful queries. “I sincerely thank my family and friends who have reached out to me or tried to do so and assure them that I am available to respond to all lawful queries,” he concluded.