Nigeria probing graft allegations against ex-oil executives

LAGOS: Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency has launched a probe into the former heads of the west African country’s state oil company following their sacking last month on money laundering allegations.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has ordered the national oil company NNPC to turn over the financial documents of 14 of its current and former executives, including former CEO Mele Kyari. Kyari was dismissed in early April by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with the entire NNPC board.

“The Commission is investigating a case of Abuse of Office and Misappropriation of Funds in which the under-listed officials of your organization featured,” read a Commission statement dated April 28.

Aside from Kyari, the EFCC has named former managing director Abubakar Yar’Adua, former directors of the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries, Ibrahim Onoja and Mustafa Sugungun, as well as former chief financial officer Umar Ajiya.