On May 12, 2025, Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom, under the banner of Rescue Nigeria Now, staged a protest outside the Nigerian High Commission and the UK Home Office in London. The demonstrators demanded the extradition of Mele Kyari, the suspended Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), to face corruption investigations in Nigeria.
The protesters submitted formal petitions to both institutions, urging immediate action. They carried placards with inscriptions such as “Withdraw Mele Kyari’s residency now!”, “Mele Kyari go home and face EFCC now!”, and “London is not for public officials who abused public trust.”
This demonstration follows revelations that NNPCL owes6.8 billion to petrol suppliers, a debt initially denied by the corporation. The Diaspora Good Governance Watch (DGGW) has accused Kyari of gross mismanagement and corruption, stating that his actions have led to fuel scarcity, pipeline vandalism, and oil theft in Nigeria. They also allege that Kyari breached international sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council, EU, and G8, making him a fugitive who must be brought to justice [1] .
Kolawole Akinmosu, a former House of Representatives candidate and leader of DGGW, emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “The NNPC’s debt crisis is a result of years of inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement... Mele Kyari must be held accountable for this betrayal of public trust.”
The protesters have called on UK authorities to collaborate with Nigerian officials to ensure Kyari's extradition and prosecution. They argue that holding Kyari accountable is essential for restoring public confidence and ensuring justice for the Nigerian people.
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