NNPC Boss Allegedly Abducted, Forced to Resign by EFCC and SSS Officials in Secret Abuja Operation

NNPC MD Bayo Ojulari was reportedly abducted and forced to resign by EFCC and SSS officials during a secret meeting in Abuja, without President Tinubu’s approval.

In a development described by insiders as “reminiscent of Nigeria’s military-era tactics,” top officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the State Security Service (SSS) reportedly abducted the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, and forced him to resign under pressure at a discreet location in Abuja.

The incident occurred on Friday night and involved EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and SSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi. According to sources familiar with the matter, President Bola Tinubu did not approve the move, prompting some officials to liken the act to a “civilian coup d’état.”

Sources say Ojulari was interrogated about his alleged connections to Olatimbo Ayinde, a British-Nigerian oil magnate who has gained influence within the current administration. Ojulari reportedly denied knowing Ayinde, stating he had “heard she was trying to control businesses at NNPC and he rejected such moves.”

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Ayinde has faced past bribery charges in the United Kingdom involving former Nigerian oil ministers. Recent reports indicate that Nigerian anti-graft agencies have been instructed to delay cooperation with British authorities investigating Ayinde’s case.

Appointed by President Tinubu in April 2025, Ojulari was chosen for his extensive background in the oil and gas sector, having previously served as a top executive at Shell Nigeria.

Ojulari has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, particularly after authorizing a controversial trip to an oil and gas conference in Kigali, Rwanda, involving NNPC executives and mid-level officials.

Reports alleged the trip cost the company millions of dollars, although the precise amount remains unclear. Ojulari has denied any wrongdoing, attributing the backlash to internal opposition.

As of Saturday morning, Ojulari has not responded to multiple requests for comment. The presidency, EFCC, and SSS have also remained silent on the matter.