Hundreds of Nigerians staged a protest on Monday, 12 May 2025, outside the Nigerian High Commission and the UK Home Office in London, calling for the immediate deportation of former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) boss, Mele Kyari. The video clip of the protest was featured on the ESET YouTube channel👇
The demonstrators, under the banner of Rescue Nigeria Now (RNN), submitted formal petitions to both institutions, accusing Kyari of evading justice by relocating to the United Kingdom amidst ongoing corruption investigations in Nigeria.
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A Direct Appeal to Nigerian and British Authorities
In a strongly-worded letter addressed to the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, the protesters expressed outrage over Kyari’s continued presence in London. “We are profoundly disillusioned and appalled by the effrontery with which Mr Kyari walks the streets of London freely while the desks of the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies overflow with petitions, audit queries, and damning evidence linked to his tenure from 2019 to 2025,” the letter stated.
They described his presence in the UK as an insult to Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and urged the High Commission to withdraw all forms of official recognition or diplomatic courtesy accorded to him until he returns home to face the law.
Allegations of Grand Corruption
The petition laid out serious accusations against Kyari, including the misappropriation of billions of dollars allocated for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries in Warri, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt. According to the protesters, these projects yielded no tangible results, while the nation continued to import refined petroleum products—despite being Africa’s largest oil producer.
The group accused Kyari of fostering a culture of opacity within the NNPCL, branding the company during his leadership as “an impenetrable black box.” They further alleged that he oversaw a fuel subsidy regime riddled with cronyism and financial irregularities, where trillions of naira were disbursed without transparency or justification.
Placards, Petitions, and Public Discontent
Carrying bold placards that read “Withdraw Mele Kyari’s Residency Now!” and “London Is Not for Public Officials Who Abused Public Trust,” the protesters accused Kyari of deliberately fleeing Nigeria to escape prosecution. They claimed his leadership led to widespread fuel scarcity, artificial shortages, and fluctuating pump prices that left ordinary Nigerians suffering.
They asserted that although subsidy removal was a commendable initiative by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kyari’s handling of it turned it into a “tool of deceit rather than a policy relief.”
Calls for Action from the UK Government
Addressing the UK Home Office, RNN highlighted the international implications of providing refuge to individuals accused of high-profile corruption. The group alleged that Kyari had transferred parts of the illicit proceeds to bank accounts in the UK, potentially breaching British anti-money laundering laws.
“We believe Mr Kyari orchestrated his relocation to the UK to evade justice and that part of the stolen funds have been moved into the British financial system. This raises serious concerns under the UK’s financial crime legislation,” the petition read.
The coalition urged the Home Office to act in accordance with international anti-corruption agreements between the UK and Nigeria, stressing that harbouring Kyari would undermine global efforts to fight graft.
Awaiting International Response
The protest reflects growing frustration among Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora over the lack of accountability in public service. As the EFCC continues its investigation into Kyari’s tenure, all eyes are now on how British authorities will respond.
Whether Kyari will be deported to face justice in Nigeria remains to be seen, but the message from the protesters is unequivocal: justice must be served, and those who betray public trust should not find sanctuary abroad.
