Kyari: Protesters storm US embassy in Abuja, demand visa ban on ex-NNPC boss

Some concerned Nigerians under the umbrella of the “Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria” on Friday staged a protest at the United States Embassy in Abuja, urging that the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, be denied a visa or any form of entry into the United States.

The group’s request was conveyed in a letter addressed to the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr.

In a letter dated May 23, 2025, and signed by the Convener, Barr. Sambari Benjamin, the forum stated that “Kyari is a person of interest in ongoing investigations into grand corruption, abuse of office, misappropriation of funds, and terrorism financing in Nigeria.”

The forum outlined allegations against the former NNPCL executive, particularly concerning over $4 billion allocated for the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna. It noted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had traced N80 billion to the bank account of one of Kyari’s key associates, who is also the Managing Director of a subsidiary under his oversight.

Additionally, the group stated that the EFCC has declared Kyari, along with 13 others, wanted in connection with its investigation into abuse of office and misappropriation of funds during his tenure.

While Kyari has claimed he is willing to come forward and clear his name, he has yet to do so and remains in hiding.

The letter read in part:

“The Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria is constrained to approach Your Excellency on a matter of great national concern, one with potential existential consequences for Nigerian citizens if not urgently and appropriately addressed. The issue pertains to Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), who is at the center of ongoing investigations into grand corruption, abuse of office, misappropriation of funds, and terrorism financing in Nigeria.

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“President Bola Tinubu, last month, relieved Mr. Kyari of his role at the NNPCL following a series of corruption indictments. These allegations include unanswered questions surrounding the over $4 billion allocated for refinery repairs in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna. A significant indication of misappropriation surfaced when the EFCC traced N80 billion to a bank account belonging to one of Mr. Kyari’s key associates—also a Managing Director of a subsidiary that reported to him. The EFCC has since declared Mr. Kyari and 13 others wanted in connection with the investigation. (See attachments)

“Although he claims to be willing to clear his name, Mr. Kyari remains in hiding—suggesting that his proclaimed innocence is a smokescreen to evade justice. Credible intelligence indicates that he is seeking refuge in a third country, with the United States being his preferred destination. He intends to exploit your country’s respect for human rights as a shield against extradition to Nigeria to stand trial.

“Permit us to contextualize Mr. Kyari’s alleged crimes against Nigeria, Nigerians, and humanity, to aid your evaluation and support a decision to deny him entry into the United States. In the more than five years that Mr. Kyari led the NNPCL, he is accused of undermining the Nigerian economy through subversive acts, including the deliberate refusal to remit revenue owed to the country. The World Bank, in its 2024 Nigeria Development Update, confirmed that under Mr. Kyari’s leadership, the NNPCL remitted only N500 billion to the Federation Account—despite the savings accrued from the removal of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) subsidies. The report further noted that Mr. Kyari disbursed another N500 billion to cronies and associates under the guise of settling debt arrears. This criminal behavior suggests that Mr. Kyari and his associates appropriated the entire subsidy savings, depriving the government of critical funds for social safety programs intended to cushion the reform’s effects.

“As a consequence, more Nigerians are being pushed into economic hardship and forced to seek refuge abroad, with many irregularly migrating to the United States—thereby increasing the burden on your government to manage such migration.

“We also believe that a substantial portion of the funds misappropriated under Mr. Kyari’s watch was funneled into terrorism financing. In several cases, the funds were passed through religious organizations as charitable donations but ultimately ended up with terrorist groups—an arrangement Mr. Kyari was fully aware of.

“Furthermore, Mr. Kyari is reported to have violated U.S.-imposed sanctions on Russia by facilitating the procurement of Russian-sourced crude oil through associates, surpassing allowed thresholds. The crude was refined in Malta and shipped to Nigeria—another incentive for sabotaging the repair of Nigerian refineries.

“Mr. Kyari is allegedly seeking to exploit the proposed ‘gold card’ citizenship program by former U.S. President Donald Trump, offering a $5 million payment as a pathway to American citizenship. Such a move would taint the integrity of the program and reinforce negative perceptions of Nigeria.

“We are aware that in his desperation to evade justice, Mr. Kyari may attempt to enter the United States either as a refugee claiming persecution or as a high-net-worth investor. Either option would be a grave injustice to Nigerians suffering the consequences of his alleged corruption and misdeeds.

“We therefore appeal, through Your Excellency, that Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari be denied entry into the United States until investigations into his tenure are concluded and he is officially exonerated. This action would reinforce the United States’ commitment to justice and accountability.”Apple has not commented publicly on Trump’s latest threat. However, the company earlier this year announced a $500 billion investment in U.S. operations.

The initiative includes a new server production facility in Houston and expansion of data centers and content production across 20 states.

Still, experts say making iPhones in the U.S. would come at a steep cost. “You build that [supply chain] in the US with a fab in West Virginia and New Jersey, they’ll be $3,500 iPhones,” said Dan Ives, Wedbush’s global tech research head. “The concept of Apple producing iPhones in the US is a fairy tale that is not feasible.”

This isn’t the first time Apple’s manufacturing strategy has drawn scrutiny. Late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs once told President Barack Obama that the U.S. education system wasn’t producing enough industrial engineers to support domestic iPhone production. “You can’t find that many in America to hire,” Jobs said, according to biographer Walter Isaacson.

Despite the political pressure, Apple appears committed to a global manufacturing model — a strategy that may come under renewed scrutiny as Trump ramps up economic nationalism in the lead-up to the 2024 election.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE