By FrontNaija News | May 12, 2025
LONDON, UK — In a dramatic display of protest, hundreds of Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom on Monday, May 12, 2025, stormed the Nigerian High Commission and later marched to the UK Home Office in London, demanding the immediate deportation of the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.
The protesters, chanting slogans and carrying placards with inscriptions like “Return Our Loot,” “Kyari Must Face Justice,” and “UK Shouldn’t Be a Safe Haven for Corrupt Politicians,” accused the former NNPCL boss of massive corruption and economic sabotage. They allege that Kyari fled Nigeria to evade investigation and possible prosecution by anti-corruption agencies following his abrupt exit from office in April 2025.
According to the demonstrators, Kyari’s continued stay in the UK sends a dangerous signal about Britain’s stance on harboring individuals facing serious allegations in their home countries. They submitted a petition to both the Nigerian High Commission and the UK Home Office, urging authorities to act swiftly by facilitating his repatriation.
Speaking during the protest, Comrade Tunde Alabi, one of the coordinators of the rally, said, “We are not here to witch-hunt anyone. We are simply demanding justice. The Nigerian people deserve to know what happened to billions of dollars under Kyari’s watch. If he has nothing to hide, let him return home and clear his name.”
Another protester, Mrs. Joy Ugwoke, added, “The same way the UK sends Nigerians home for immigration issues, we expect the same speed and fairness when it comes to those accused of looting public funds.”
Reports indicate that Mele Kyari has been under the radar of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other investigative bodies over alleged financial mismanagement, opaque crude oil deals, and questionable subsidy payments during his tenure.
As of press time, neither the UK Home Office nor the Nigerian High Commission had issued an official statement on the protest or the demands of the petitioners.
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