Alleged $4 Billion Refinery Scandal: Lawyers and Activists Accuse EFCC of Concealment

A coalition of civil rights advocates and legal professionals on Wednesday took their protest to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over the controversial $4 billion refinery rehabilitation scandal linked to the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.

The demonstrators, operating under the platform of the Concerned Lawyers and Citizens Network (CLCN), openly accused the anti-graft commission of orchestrating a cover-up. They condemned the alleged diversion of $4 billion meant for refinery rehabilitation, describing it as an act of “economic treason” that sabotages Nigeria’s national growth and long-term development.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Barrister Theophilus Ojonugwa stressed that what transpired was far beyond a financial crime. According to him, it represents “a direct assault on human dignity and a deliberate setback to the nation’s progress.” He emphasized that the scandal has forced Nigeria to remain heavily dependent on imported petroleum products, worsening the burden on ordinary citizens.

The activists highlighted that the alleged misused funds could have transformed critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and employment generation. They linked the missing billions to unconstructed schools, unequipped hospitals, and countless job opportunities denied to Nigerian youths. To them, the scandal represents a betrayal of intergenerational trust and a deliberate obstruction of Nigeria’s future.

In a strongly worded statement, the CLCN criticized the EFCC for what it called a “romance with corruption” and selective justice. They noted that while young Nigerians face severe punishments for minor infractions, high-profile corruption cases are often handled with leniency.

“Justice must remain blind and uncompromising,” Ojonugwa declared. “If the $4 billion refinery rehabilitation scandal is treated with kid gloves, Nigeria will be further seen as a haven for looters and economic saboteurs.”

The group demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those implicated in the scandal. They also called for the confiscation of all properties and assets connected to the misappropriated funds. In their view, only bold and transparent actions can restore confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption system.

Furthermore, the Concerned Lawyers and Citizens Network urged the EFCC to commission an independent forensic audit to be carried out by internationally recognized firms. This, they believe, is the only way to guarantee transparency and credibility in unraveling the scandal.

Turning to President Bola Tinubu, the group reminded him of his anti-corruption campaign promises. They challenged him to make this scandal a defining “watershed moment” in Nigeria’s war against impunity and graft.

“If this $4 billion had been used as intended, Nigeria would not still be grappling with refining shortfalls today,” Ojonugwa lamented. “The tragedy lies not only in the looted funds but also in the continued cycle of energy poverty.”

The lawyers and civil rights campaigners insisted that Nigerians are closely monitoring the EFCC’s response. They warned that the public will hold the anti-graft agency accountable for either taking decisive action or enabling impunity to thrive.

“The future of Nigeria depends on the courage of its people,” Ojonugwa concluded, urging citizens to remain steadfast, reject silence, and continue demanding justice until transparency and accountability are upheld.