Reps panel summons Mele Kyari, Agip over ‘diversion’ of oil firm’s $72m

Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has been invited to appear before the house of representatives committee on public petitions over an alleged “diversion” of $72 million belonging to De Coon Services Limited, an oil company.

Also, the top management staff of Agip Oil and key officials of the federal ministry of petroleum were summoned.

The committee requested they appear in person on June 20.

The lower legislative chamber began the investigation following a petition from the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CSJET), a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesperson of the house, presented the petition to the house.

In the summon, dated June 10, the committee said it is investigating the allegation in line with sections 88 and 89 of the constitution.

“You are hereby required to note Sections 88 and 89 (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and appear in person before this Committee on Thursday, 20th June, 2024 at 2.00 pm or so soon thereafter as the Committee shall direct,” the summon reads.

“Venue: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ROOM 429 (NEW WING) You are to submit one (1) softcopy and ten (10) hard copies of your brief on the matter.”

The committee also warned the case may be heard or determined in their absence.