By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
A coalition of civil society groups is calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), over allegations of large-scale corruption.
The coalition, which includes OilWatch Nigeria, the Workers’ Rights Alliance, and Concerned Citizens, made the demand during a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, Thursday.
According to the group, Ojulari has been implicated in a $21 million (₦34.65 billion) scandal uncovered during the recent detention of Abdullahi Bashir Haske, a close associate.
Haske allegedly told EFCC investigators that the funds discovered in his account belonged to Ojulari.
The coalition described the situation as a clear case of economic sabotage and accused Ojulari of using shell companies to inflate contracts and divert public funds. They also alleged that he lives in the Presidential Suite of the Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja, a lifestyle they claim is inconsistent with his official earnings.
In addition, the group accused Ojulari of cronyism, saying he has filled key positions at NNPCL with loyalists, sidelining qualified professionals.
They also alleged that he has interfered with EFCC investigations to protect associates and delay justice.
The coalition urged the EFCC to act immediately on Haske’s confession by arresting and investigating Ojulari.
They also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Ojulari from his position, warning that inaction would damage the administration’s credibility on anti-corruption.
To press home their demands, the groups announced a three-day peaceful protest beginning from August 1. Demonstrations will take place at the National Assembly, NNPCL headquarters, and the EFCC office in Abuja.
