The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government will thoroughly investigate all allegations of corruption leveled against the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.

Fagbemi gave this assurance during a press briefing held at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, amid growing public calls for transparency and accountability within the oil and gas sector. He stressed that no individual, no matter how highly placed, would be above the law under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The AGF’s statement comes after several petitions and media reports surfaced alleging financial misconduct and mismanagement under Kyari’s leadership at the NNPCL. These allegations have sparked widespread concern and debate among Nigerians, especially given the critical role of oil revenue in the nation’s economy.

Legal System Will Follow Due Process – AGF

While addressing journalists, Fagbemi emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, adding that any investigation into Kyari would be carried out with fairness, professionalism, and respect for due process.

“I want to make it clear to all Nigerians that the government does not shield anyone from investigation or prosecution. Allegations that are brought forward, particularly those of national importance, will be handled with the seriousness they deserve,” the AGF stated.

He urged the public to remain patient and avoid jumping to conclusions, noting that allegations remain allegations until proven in a court of law.

“We are a nation guided by laws, and this administration will never succumb to the pressure of mob trials or media convictions,” Fagbemi added.

Allegations Under Scrutiny

Though details of the specific allegations against Kyari remain unconfirmed by official sources, reports suggest that they revolve around issues of contract inflation, opaque subsidy payments, and questionable financial dealings involving the NNPCL and its subsidiaries.

Civil society organizations and prominent anti-corruption watchdogs, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), have called on the government to initiate an independent probe and, if necessary, prosecute those found culpable.

“The Nigerian people deserve to know how their resources are being managed,” said SERAP in a recent statement. “Transparency in the oil sector is not just a policy—it is a necessity.”

Public Reactions Mixed

The AGF’s declaration has sparked a mixed reaction among Nigerians. While some citizens welcomed the assurance of investigation as a step in the right direction, others remain skeptical, citing past failures to prosecute high-profile individuals accused of corruption.

“I think the Attorney General’s statement is encouraging, but we’ve heard similar promises before. What Nigerians want is action, not just words,” said Chika Anozie, a political commentator based in Lagos.

On social media, the hashtag #ProbeKyari trended for several hours following the AGF’s briefing, with users expressing concern and urging the government to prioritize accountability over political alliances.

Calls for NNPCL Audit Intensify

In light of the allegations, several lawmakers and civil society groups are now pushing for an independent audit of the NNPCL’s financial operations since the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, which transformed the former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation into a limited liability company.

The push for an audit is being led by a coalition of legislators from both chambers of the National Assembly, who insist that such a move would restore public trust in the management of Nigeria’s most critical revenue-generating institution.

According to Senator Musa Bako, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, “This is not about politics; this is about public interest. We need to reassure Nigerians that nobody is above scrutiny.”

Presidency Maintains Neutral Stance

When contacted, a senior aide to President Tinubu, who asked not to be named, reiterated that the President supports accountability and has given no directive to shield any government official from lawful investigation.

“President Tinubu believes in strong institutions and the rule of law. If there are legitimate concerns, they will be addressed through the appropriate legal channels,” the aide stated.

Mele Kyari has yet to issue an official statement regarding the allegations. However, sources within the NNPCL say the executive is confident that any investigation will vindicate him, citing reforms initiated under his leadership as proof of his commitment to transparency.

Conclusion

As Nigerians await further developments, the AGF’s assurance signals a potential shift toward greater accountability in the country’s petroleum sector. Whether or not the investigation leads to prosecution, many see this moment as a test of the government’s willingness to enforce transparency without fear or favor.

For citizens long disillusioned by impunity, the real impact of the AGF’s remarks will lie not in their eloquence, but in their execution.