A large number of Nigerians living in the United Kingdom staged a coordinated protest on Monday, May 12, 2025, demanding the immediate deportation of former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari. The demonstrators gathered outside both the Nigerian High Commission and the UK Home Office in London, calling for Kyari to return to Nigeria and face corruption investigations tied to his time at the helm of the country’s national oil company.
Organized under the banner of Rescue Nigeria Now (RNN), the protest featured chants, placards, and the submission of formal petitions to both the Nigerian and British authorities. The demonstrators accused Kyari of deliberately escaping to the UK in a bid to dodge ongoing corruption probes by Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies.
Placards displayed by the crowd carried blunt messages such as “Revoke Mele Kyari’s UK Visa!”, “Mele Kyari Must Face EFCC!”, and “London Must Not Shelter Corrupt Nigerian Officials.” The messages underscored the intensity of public anger toward the former NNPCL chief, who led the company from 2019 until early 2025.
Protesters Allege Evasion of Justice and Financial Misconduct
According to accounts cited in media reports, protesters believe Kyari intentionally left Nigeria after stepping down from his position in order to avoid answering to mounting corruption allegations. RNN argued that numerous petitions had been filed with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant bodies concerning mismanagement and misuse of public funds during Kyari’s six-year tenure.
In their petition submitted to the Nigerian High Commission, the group expressed outrage that Kyari remained in the UK with what they described as “brazen impunity,” despite facing credible corruption accusations back home.
“We consider his continued stay in London a direct insult to the Nigerian people and a betrayal of the country’s fight against corruption,” the letter stated. “It undermines the credibility of our democratic institutions and makes a mockery of accountability.”
Billions Allegedly Misappropriated Under Kyari’s Watch
The petition further outlined grave accusations, including the alleged diversion of multibillion-dollar funds allocated for the refurbishment of Nigeria’s major refineries in Warri, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt. Protesters claimed that these vast sums of money “vanished into thin air” under Kyari’s watch, without any corresponding improvement in the country’s refinery operations.
“These were funds earmarked for critical national infrastructure, yet none of the refineries became functional. Nigerians continue to suffer the consequences of failed energy policies while public officials enjoy impunity abroad,” the petition added.
Calls for UK to Uphold Anti-Corruption Commitments
Beyond Nigeria’s borders, the demonstrators also filed a petition with the UK Home Office, urging British authorities to investigate Kyari’s financial activities in the country. The group raised suspicions that illicit funds might have been funneled into UK-based bank accounts, in what they alleged was part of a broader money laundering operation.
“We strongly believe Mr. Kyari has transferred portions of the illicit wealth he amassed during his time in office to financial institutions here in London,” the petition asserted. “The United Kingdom must not become a safe haven for individuals who have defrauded the Nigerian state.”
RNN called on the British government to act in line with international anti-corruption agreements between Nigeria and the UK, including commitments under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and other bilateral treaties focused on transparency and asset recovery.
Demands for Swift Deportation and Legal Accountability
As part of their demands, the protestors urged the immediate revocation of Kyari’s UK residency and for the former NNPCL boss to be returned to Nigeria to answer to investigators. They argued that allowing high-profile figures accused of public theft to enjoy freedom abroad sends a dangerous signal to other officials who might consider exploiting their offices without consequence.
“This is not just about Mele Kyari,” an RNN spokesperson said at the rally. “It’s about setting a precedent. No Nigerian leader should be allowed to loot public funds and then hide in a foreign country while our citizens suffer.”
Wider Implications and Growing Pressure
The demonstration marks a growing trend in diaspora-led activism aimed at holding Nigerian political and business elites accountable for alleged financial misconduct. In recent years, overseas Nigerians have become more vocal in pressuring foreign governments to reject corrupt individuals seeking refuge or investment opportunities abroad.
With the spotlight now on Mele Kyari, attention has turned to how both the UK and Nigerian governments will respond to the protest and its accompanying petitions. Legal experts say cooperation between the two countries could pave the way for extradition, asset tracing, and further investigation.
Back in Nigeria, the EFCC has yet to release a formal statement on whether Kyari remains under active investigation. However, the loud call from protesters in London adds to the mounting public pressure demanding that the former oil chief be held accountable for his stewardship of one of Nigeria’s most critical state-owned enterprises.
Conclusion
The demonstration in London represents a critical moment in the fight against corruption among Nigeria’s public officeholders. Protesters have not only spotlighted specific allegations against Mele Kyari but have also challenged the broader system that allows suspected offenders to evade justice by fleeing abroad. Whether this protest leads to legal consequences or diplomatic pressure remains to be seen, but it has undeniably intensified scrutiny on Kyari’s actions and reignited calls for international cooperation in the fight against corruption.
