Tensions flared in Abuja on Thursday as a coalition of civil society groups and oil workers mounted a large-scale protest at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The demonstration, organized by OilWatch Nigeria, Workers’ Rights Alliance, and Concerned Citizens Watch, drew hundreds of participants — including activists, oil sector employees, and everyday Nigerians — who accused Ojulari of playing a central role in a massive ₦34.65 billion ($21 million) corruption scandal.
According to the protest leaders, the scandal has shaken public trust and poses a serious credibility challenge to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The outcry follows the recent detention of Abdullahi Bashir Haske, an ally of Ojulari, who reportedly told EFCC investigators that the $21 million discovered in his bank account was owned by the NNPCL chief.
“This money could have built schools, hospitals, and fixed our failing infrastructure,” said Emmanuel Ekpeyong of OilWatch Nigeria. “Instead, it was allegedly hoarded in private accounts to fund a life of luxury. We are here to demand immediate accountability.”
The coalition listed several allegations against Ojulari, including misuse of public funds, contract racketeering via shell companies, lavish living at Abuja’s upscale Wells Carlton Hotel, and the appointment of unqualified loyalists to strategic roles within NNPCL.
“Ojulari has turned the national oil company into a personal empire,” said Danladi Usman of the Workers’ Rights Alliance. “His actions betray the trust of every hardworking Nigerian and have crippled confidence in our energy sector.”
Adding to the pressure, Babatunde Anifowoshe of Concerned Citizens Watch accused Ojulari of attempting to obstruct EFCC investigations to shield his associates.
“Leaving him in office mocks the President’s vow of reform,” Anifowoshe said. “We urge the EFCC to arrest him immediately and for President Tinubu to relieve him of his duties without delay.”
The coalition issued two firm demands: that the EFCC prosecute Ojulari for his alleged involvement in the ₦34.65 billion scandal, and that President Tinubu immediately remove him from his position at NNPCL.
“This is just the beginning,” warned Ekpeyong. “A deep dive into Ojulari’s financial and operational dealings will likely uncover even greater rot.”
To escalate their push for justice, the groups announced a three-day peaceful protest starting August 1, targeting the National Assembly, NNPCL headquarters, and the EFCC offices.
“We will continue marching until real action is taken,” Usman declared, urging broad national participation. “This fight is for Nigeria’s future — where the nation’s oil wealth benefits all citizens, not a privileged few.”
With the protests gaining momentum, both the EFCC and the Presidency are under increasing pressure to respond. The coalition cautioned that failure to act could lead to wider unrest and deeper economic instability.
“The Nigerian people are watching,” said Anifowoshe. “We demand transparency, justice, and accountability. Bayo Ojulari must face the full weight of the law.”
As of press time, the EFCC had not issued an official statement on the matter.
