Hundreds of young Nigerian professionals rallied at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday, calling for the deportation of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.
The protest was led by the Young Professionals Forum (YPF), who demanded that Kyari be returned to Nigeria to face investigation into alleged financial misconduct during his time at the helm of the national oil company.
Spokesperson for the group, Barrister Sambari Benjamin, accused Kyari of engaging in corrupt practices that severely impacted Nigeria’s economy, particularly the energy sector. The protesters claimed his tenure was characterized by deliberate sabotage of local refining efforts, neglect of national interests, and personal enrichment at the expense of the public.
According to the YPF, Kyari’s leadership allegedly contributed to reduced national productivity, depletion of foreign exchange reserves, and increased public exposure to substandard petroleum products.
The group urged the UAE government to deny Kyari residency or asylum, and to place him on an international watchlist to prevent evasion of justice.
“We believe Mele Kyari’s actions have brought dishonor to our country. His alleged corruption has had severe consequences for our economy and citizens. We cannot remain silent while public office holders abuse their authority for personal benefit,” said Benjamin.
During the demonstration, Benjamin reiterated their call for the UAE to uphold international justice and reject any attempt by Kyari to seek refuge within its borders. He warned that granting asylum to the former NNPCL chief would undermine Nigeria’s rule of law and encourage a culture of impunity.
“Providing safe haven to Mele Kyari whether directly or indirectly would be a betrayal of the Nigerian justice system, which is on the brink of launching formal investigations and prosecutions,” Benjamin stated.
He also warned of the broader implications such a move would have: “It would send a dangerous message, particularly to Nigerian youth and aspiring professionals, that accountability is negotiable and that power can shield individuals from justice.”
The Young Professionals Forum concluded by appealing to the moral values and international standing of the UAE, urging the country not to become a sanctuary for individuals facing serious allegations of public misconduct.
“We respectfully urge the UAE, a nation known for upholding integrity and global cooperation, not to allow itself to become a safe escape route for two of Nigeria’s most controversial public figures,” Benjamin said.