A growing international campaign is calling for a thorough investigation into the tenure of Mele Kyari, the former Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The movement, gaining momentum after recent protests in London, is now mobilizing demonstrations in Washington, D.C., and Dubai.
Spearheaded by the diaspora-led coalition Rescue Nigeria Now (RNN), the protests aim to pressure the Nigerian government into launching a judicial inquiry into what the group describes as “a corrupt and destructive era” in the country’s oil and gas industry under Kyari’s leadership.
“Mele Kyari must not disappear into luxury exile,” said Damilola Adeyeye, RNN’s Global Mobilisation Lead. “Just like in London, we’re hitting the streets in the US and UAE to demand full transparency and accountability for every kobo spent under his watch.”
Adeyeye accused Nigerian authorities of foot-dragging while billions of naira meant for refinery rehabilitation, fuel subsidies, and public supply have allegedly gone unaccounted for. He cited “shady deals, inflated subsidy claims, and possible money laundering” as red flags demanding urgent scrutiny.
Earlier this week, London-based demonstrators gathered at the Nigerian High Commission and the UK Home Office, calling for the revocation of any diplomatic protections extended to Kyari, whom they claim fled Nigeria to evade investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to RNN, whistleblower reports submitted to anti-corruption agencies link Kyari to large-scale fuel importation scams and a network of allies who exploited weak regulatory systems.
Kyari, however, denied such allegations in a recent post on his official X account. He stated that he is on a “well-deserved rest” following the dissolution of the NNPCL board and remains open to any lawful investigation.
Fatima Sadiq, RNN’s Middle East Coordinator, said Dubai was deliberately chosen for the next protest, citing allegations that illicit Nigerian funds may have been funneled through UAE financial institutions. “Dubai has become a known destination for Nigeria’s stolen wealth,” she said.
In the U.S., RNN plans to target Nigerian diplomatic offices and lobby U.S. lawmakers and global anti-corruption watchdogs.
“Our oil sector suffered under Kyari’s leadership. The Tinubu administration must act now and show that no one is above the law,” said Michael Ibeh, RNN’s Director of Strategy.
The group is demanding an independent judicial panel with full public disclosure of all contracts and transactions executed during Kyari’s time at NNPCL. They warn that the protest movement will expand to more countries if there’s no decisive government action.
“This movement goes beyond Mele Kyari,” Adeyeye emphasized. “It’s about holding the powerful accountable and reclaiming Nigeria’s future.”
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