A group of young professionals and activists on Friday staged protest at the United States Embassy in Abuja, urging American authorities to deny visa entry to Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari, the former Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
The protesters cited ongoing investigations into allegations of grand corruption and misappropriation of billions of dollars meant for refinery repairs.
The Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria, which led the protest, submitted a formal petition to Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr., the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, urging the U.S. government to bar Kyari from entering American soil while investigations into his conduct are ongoing.
Barrister Sambari Benjamin, Convener of the forum, highlighted the gravity of the allegations, stating, “Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari is central to ongoing investigations into grand corruption and abuse of office, misappropriation of funds.”
The petition pointed to the refusal by Kyari to remit proper revenues to the Nigerian government and alleged that “over $4 billion meant for repairs of the country’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna” went missing under his watch.
According to the forum’s petition, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Kyari and 13 others wanted for investigation related to these financial crimes. The petition further claims that Kyari has “remained in hiding” despite claiming readiness to clear his name, suggesting this is a “smokescreen” to evade justice.
Benjamin appealed to the U.S. government, saying, “We consequently appeal, through Your Excellency, to the United States to deny Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari entry into your jurisdiction until such a time as investigation into his tenure is completed and he is given a clean bill of health. This will enable the United States to maintain its stature as a shining example of accountable actions.”
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