On Wednesday, hundreds of young Nigerian professionals rallied outside the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Abuja, demanding the deportation of Mele Kyari, former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), to face corruption allegations tied to his time in office.
The protest, organized under the Young Professionals Forum (YPF), emphasized the need for Kyari to be present in Nigeria to answer for his alleged role in widespread financial misconduct within the national oil firm.
Barrister Sambari Benjamin, speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, accused Kyari of engaging in corrupt practices that had significant negative effects on Nigeria’s economy—particularly in the energy sector. He claimed Kyari deliberately obstructed local refining efforts, prioritized personal interests over national goals, and enriched himself at the country’s expense.
According to the protesters, these actions not only diminished Nigeria’s productivity and depleted foreign exchange reserves but also left citizens vulnerable to substandard and adulterated petroleum products.
The YPF appealed to the UAE government to deny Kyari residency or asylum, warning that such a decision could allow him to evade justice. They also called for him to be blacklisted, reinforcing their demand for accountability.
“We believe Mele Kyari’s conduct has disgraced our country and its people,” said Benjamin. “His alleged misdeeds have deeply harmed our economy. We can’t continue to allow public officials to abuse their authority without consequences.”
The group argued that offering Kyari refuge would undermine Nigeria’s judicial system and encourage other public figures to flee the country to avoid legal scrutiny.
Benjamin further stated, “Providing Kyari safe haven would insult our justice system just as it’s preparing to investigate and possibly prosecute him. It would send a dangerous message to the Nigerian public—especially to the youth—that those in power can dodge justice through wealth and connections.”
The YPF concluded by calling on the UAE, known for its strong moral principles, to reject any effort by Kyari or other controversial Nigerian figures to use the country as a sanctuary from legal consequences back home.