The Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria has written to the Ambassador of the United States (US) to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., requesting that the former group chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, be denied visa or any form of entry into the US.
In a letter dated May 23, 2025 and signed by the convener, Barr. Sambari Benjamin, the forum explained that Kyari is a person of interest in the ongoing investigations into grand corruption, abuse of office, misappropriation of funds and terrorism financing in Nigeria.
The forum outlined the allegations against the former NNPCL executive, highlighting concerns regarding over $4 billion allocated for the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.
It noted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has traced N80 billion to the bank account of one of Kyari’s key associates, who is also the managing director of one of the subsidiaries under his oversight.
Additionally, the forum stated that the EFCC has declared Kyari, along with 13 others, wanted in connection with its investigation into abuse of office and misappropriation of funds during his tenure. While Kyari has claimed he is willing to come forward and clear his name, he has yet to do so and remains in hiding.
