TheCable, an online newspaper, has deleted a false and mischievous report claiming that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Mallam Mele Kyari, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL).
The newspaper had reported on Saturday that Kyari was taken into custody by the EFCC on Friday and was likely to spend the entire weekend at the anti-graft agency over allegations of mismanagement of funds and abuse of office.
However, a few hours later, Kyari debunked the report, describing it as “clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, known only to them.”
The former NNPCL boss added that he is currently taking a well-deserved rest following the dissolution of the management and board of NNPCL, where he served as Group Chief Executive.
A few minutes after Kyari made the rebuttal, TheCable hurriedly deleted the false publication from its website.
In a post on his X account (formerly Twitter), the former NNPC boss emphasized that he served Nigeria with the fear of God and is willing to account for his stewardship during his tenure at the national oil company.
He wrote: “Over the past few days and particularly in the past two hours, I have been inundated with calls from concerned family and friends over claims by an online newspaper that I was in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
”This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, known only to them.
”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.
”It should be stated that, having served the NNPC and later the NNPCL for 34 years—17 of those in management roles, and especially the last five years and nine months—I had little time for even a two-week leave.
”So, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve under Their Excellencies, Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
”I must emphasize that I served with the fear of God, knowing fully well, as a Muslim, that if I do not account before man, I will surely account before Allah. I am better off accounting to the institutions of man. Therefore, having served in public capacity, I am willing and happy to account for my stewardship in this world.”
While reiterating his willingness to account for his time at NNPCL, Kyari noted that disinformation of this nature does not serve any good purpose for the company or the country.
He warned that such misleading claims could send the wrong signals to investors and the international community.
“It is in this regard that I urge the media to be circumspect and avoid being stampeded into misleading the public with unverified stories or matters that require further validation by relevant authorities.
I sincerely thank my family and friends who have reached out to me or tried to and assure them that I am available to respond to all lawful queries,” he concluded.