22
May
May
ANTI-MELE KYARI PROTEST ROCKS SAUDI ARABIA EMBASSY IN ABUJA
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CapitalTimesNews / 3 weeks
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- 2 min read
A group of over 1,000 young Nigerian professionals, under the aegis of the Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria, stormed the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja on Thursday, demanding that the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, be denied a visa or any form of entry into Saudi Arabia. The protesters, led by Barrister Sambari Benjamin and Comrade John Ndubuokwu, submitted a petition to the Saudi Embassy, urging the Kingdom to reject any visa application or asylum request from Kyari, who is reportedly under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). “We respectfully request your noble intervention in forestalling Mallam Mele Kyari from fleeing into the safety of your noble Kingdom,” the petition read. “If allowed to stay in Saudi Arabia, he would be evading justice and undermining the principles of transparency and accountability championed by both our great nations.” The group accused Kyari of attempting to flee Nigeria to evade accountability, citing preliminary investigations into his dealings as the reason behind his alleged desperation to seek refuge abroad. They believe Kyari thinks Saudi Arabia is the ideal jurisdiction to shield himself from extradition, trial, and accountability. “We urge the Saudi government to refuse Kyari residency, asylum, and to blacklist him to prevent his escape from justice,” Benjamin said. “The Nigerian people demand accountability and transparency, and we will not rest until justice is served.” The protesters also referenced Islamic teachings, warning that sheltering individuals facing serious charges could damage the Kingdom’s reputation. “Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and spread mischief in the land is death, crucifixion, cutting off their hands and feet on opposite sides, or exile from the land,” the petitioners quoted. This protest follows a similar demonstration at the UAE embassy on Wednesday, May 21, and another last week by Nigerians in the United Kingdom, who gathered outside the Nigerian House in London, demanding Kyari return to face investigations.