Fresh controversies have engulfed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) following reports that Group CEO Bayo Ojulari was compelled to sign a resignation letter during a late-night meeting with EFCC and DSS operatives on Friday.
While the Presidency maintains Ojulari remains in office, multiple sources allege the anti-graft agency acted without presidential authorization in what some insiders term a “civilian coup.”
The development follows months of escalating tensions between the NNPCL leadership and anti-corruption advocates. Civil society coalition OilWatch Nigeria had earlier petitioned for Ojulari’s prosecution, citing a detained associate’s alleged confession to holding $21 million (₦34.65 billion) on his behalf.
Their August 1-3 protests at key government offices demand accountability for refinery failures and alleged asset privatization plans.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga dismissed the resignation claims Saturday, affirming Ojulari’s continued tenure.
However, EFCC officials remained silent despite mounting questions about their involvement. The agency had previously frozen accounts linked to a $21 million kickback scheme uncovered after Ojulari reformed payment protocols.
Supporters including the Coalition for Good Governance insist the CEO is being targeted for exposing systemic corruption, pointing to improved fuel supply and production under his watch.
Critics counter with allegations of extravagant spending and staff attrition.
With neither the EFCC nor DSS providing official clarification, the situation remains fluid. Observers note the timing coincides with SERAP’s May 2025 demand for probes into ₦500 billion unremitted oil revenues.
