In a decisive move to ensure accountability in the ongoing multibillion-dollar fraud probe involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has ramped up surveillance and placed travel restrictions on contractors and former NNPC officials implicated in the scandal.
At the weekend, sources confirmed that the NIS had flagged the passports of several individuals allegedly involved in the misappropriation of funds earmarked for refinery rehabilitation projects across the country, including the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries.
A top security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the NIS has joined forces with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other law enforcement agencies to prevent any attempt by suspects to flee the country.
“The NIS has flagged the passports of some individuals prominently mentioned in the allegations,” the source said. “While some are already undergoing interrogation by the EFCC, more names are surfacing. The NIS, EFCC, and the Nigeria Police are working together to ensure no key actor escapes justice.”
Once flagged, the suspects’ passport information is disseminated across all airports and land borders nationwide, effectively blocking any formal travel attempts.
The development follows the arrest of several top former officials of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company. These arrests are part of a broader investigation into the alleged mismanagement of $2.96 billion approved for refinery rehabilitation under the administration of the former NNPC Group CEO, Mele Kyari.
A document dated April 28, 2025, titled “Investigation Activities: Request for Information”, reveals that the EFCC is probing 14 former NNPC senior executives. They include Mele Kyari, Abubakar Yar’Adua, Isiaka Abdulrazak, Umar Ajiya, Dikko Ahmed, Ibrahim Onoja, Ademoye Jelili, Mustapha Sugungun, Kayode Adetokunbo, Efiok Akpan, Babatunde Bakare, Jimoh Olasunkanmi, Bello Kankaya, and Desmond Inyama.
The EFCC has requested certified true copies of the emoluments and allowances of the individuals, including those who are retired.
According to investigators, some contractors and sub-contractors were paid for work that was never done, while others abandoned partially completed projects after receiving full or substantial payments. The scandal, insiders say, has become a major embarrassment to the presidency, prompting a directive that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice.
In 2021, the Federal Executive Council approved $1.5 billion for the Port Harcourt refinery modernisation, awarding the contract to Italy’s Tecnimont. Despite several announcements of progress, including a December 2023 claim of “mechanical completion,” the project has faced delays and credibility issues.
By January 2025, reports from host communities contradicted NNPC’s assertions, alleging that the refinery was never truly operational, despite claims of a 60,000 barrels per day capacity being delivered in late November 2024.
Leave a Comment