The Nigerian Presidency has reaffirmed Bayo Ojulari as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), dismissing widespread reports suggesting he resigned under duress following alleged intervention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Speculation erupted over the weekend after reports claimed Ojulari was compelled to sign a resignation letter during a late-night encounter on Friday, reportedly orchestrated by EFCC officials and supervised by the agency’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, alongside the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi. The reports alleged the operation occurred without presidential authorization.
As of Sunday morning, the EFCC had not officially confirmed or denied the claims. However, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, swiftly debunked the allegations, stating unequivocally that Ojulari remains the substantive CEO of the national oil company.
“Ojulari remains the substantive head of NNPCL,” Onanuga said, attempting to dispel confusion over his status.
Despite the presidency’s reassurance, Ojulari continues to face mounting pressure over corruption allegations tied to a $21 million scandal. A coalition of civil society groups has accused Ojulari of being the beneficiary of illicit funds allegedly held by Abdullahi Bashir Haske, a detained associate said to have confessed to acting on Ojulari’s behalf.
The groups have launched a three-day protest targeting the National Assembly, NNPCL headquarters, and EFCC offices, demanding Ojulari’s immediate arrest and prosecution.
Responding to the public outcry, the EFCC has described the reports of Ojulari’s alleged arrest and coercion as “ridiculous and mischievous,” urging the public to disregard what it called “false and misleading” narratives.
Nonetheless, the controversy has stirred concerns over the transparency and integrity of governance in Nigeria’s oil sector. Critics warn that the conflicting reports and lack of clarity reflect deeper power struggles and political interference within key government institutions.
As the EFCC has yet to issue a formal statement confirming or denying Ojulari’s arrest, the situation remains fluid, with observers closely watching how the federal government and anti-graft agencies manage the unfolding drama at the top of Nigeria’s oil industry.
