Confusion has surrounded the fate of Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), following reports of a resignation letter allegedly signed under duress.
Reports emerged suggesting Ojulari was pressured into signing a resignation letter by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday night, a charge the anti-graft agency has not denied or confirmed as of Sunday morning.
The reports said EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi supervised the operation which was alleged took place without presidential authorisation.
However, the Presidency has denied these allegations, with Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga stating that Ojulari remains the substantive head of NNPCL.
“Ojulari remains the substantive head of NNPCL,” Onanuga said, quelling speculation about Ojulari’s status.
Ojulari is facing allegations of corruption, including a $21 million scandal.
Some civil society groups have called for his arrest and prosecution, citing claims that Abdullahi Bashir Haske, a detained associate, allegedly confessed to holding the funds on Ojulari’s behalf.
The coalition has launched a three-day protest at the National Assembly, NNPCL headquarters, and EFCC offices, to press their demands.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has denied allegations of unlawful arrest and coercion of Ojulari, describing the reports as “ridiculous and mischievous”.
According to EFCC sources, the claims are entirely false and misleading, and the commission has urged the public to disregard the report.
The situation remains unclear amid competing claims, with the EFCC yet to issue an official statement confirming Ojulari’s arrest or prosecution.
The development has sparked public concerns over undue political interference in Nigeria’s oil sector and raised questions about the influence of certain individuals within the corridors of power.
