News
Group Demands Probe of Mele Kyari Over $1.5 Billion Port Harcourt Refinery Expenditure, Other Financial Scandals
Group Calls for Probe of Mele Kyari Over $1.5 Billion Port Harcourt Refinery Spending, Other Allegations
By Joel Ajayi
A coalition of concerned civil society organizations and patriotic citizens under the banner of the Group for Transparency and Accountability has called for a thorough investigation into the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari.
The group raised serious allegations of reckless spending and financial mismanagement, particularly concerning the $1.5 billion allocated for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refineries (PHRC) 1 and 2.
During a press conference held on Wednesday in Abuja, the group’s convener, Amb. Michael Omoba, described Kyari’s dismissal as a welcome development and a timely intervention for Nigeria’s oil sector.
“While we commend President Tinubu for this bold and decisive action, we believe it is critical to ensure that the past leadership is held accountable,” Omoba stated.
“There must be a full-scale investigation into the monumental financial irregularities that have plagued the NNPCL over the last five years.”
He emphasized that the dismissal of Kyari is “long overdue,” adding that the institution had been operating like an opaque and unaccountable cabal. According to Omoba, Nigerians are justifiably outraged and deserve answers, particularly regarding the controversial $1.5 billion spent on the Port Harcourt Refineries.
“Nigerians were made to believe that this money, approved in 2021 by the Buhari-led administration, would be used for a comprehensive rehabilitation of both refineries. Shockingly, not only was the entire amount expended on just one refinery, but that refinery remains non-functional, failing to meet even minimal industrial standards,” he noted.
Omoba questioned the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the project, calling it “fiscal mismanagement” that ought to have triggered a criminal investigation both locally and internationally.
“Even after a misleading announcement of ‘mechanical completion,’ the Port Harcourt refinery has yet to deliver any refined product. We ask: where did the funds go? Who are the contractors? Can we see the audit trails?” he asked.
He also raised alarm over the unresolved scandal involving the alleged disappearance or misallocation of over 89 million barrels of crude oil to non-state actors.
“This isn’t just mismanagement; it’s economic sabotage of the highest order. Who approved these transfers? Who benefited from them? Why has no one been arrested?” Omoba queried.
Further raising concerns, Omoba referenced the controversial arrangement between NNPCL and Matrix Oil, citing an alleged $400 million investment in the ongoing refinery rehabilitation.
“There are numerous unanswered questions: Under what financial frameworks was this contribution made? What are the terms—repayment or equity ownership? Did the deal comply with the Procurement Act? Was due process followed? What has Nigeria gained or lost from this partnership?” he asked.
He concluded by stating that the NNPCL’s situation reflects a deeper systemic issue that must be addressed for Nigeria to realize its economic potential.
“The $1.5 billion refinery debacle is not just about wasted funds—it’s a national emergency that demands immediate and thorough redress,” Omoba declared.
The group issued several demands:
The immediate constitution of a Special Commission of Inquiry to investigate all financial activities of the NNPCL over the past five years under Kyari’s leadership.
A forensic audit of all NNPCL transactions during the period.
Public disclosure of individuals or entities that benefited from the alleged allocation of over 80 million barrels of crude oil to non-state actors.
A comprehensive breakdown and report detailing how the $1.5 billion was spent on the Port Harcourt refinery.
The interrogation and possible prosecution of Mele Kyari, dismissed board members, and other NNPCL officials found culpable.
A legislative oversight hearing to ensure the new NNPCL board adheres to the highest standards of transparency.
The group concluded by calling on the EFCC, National Assembly, and the Presidency to act swiftly and decisively.
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.
The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.
Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.
In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.
“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).
– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.
– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.
– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.
– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.
“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”
The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.
About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.
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