Multiple national security sources familiar with the matter described the episode as a “coup d’état,” citing President Bola Tinubu’s lack of prior approval.
In a dramatic and unauthorised operation Friday night, the head of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, was abducted and coerced into resigning by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and SSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi, The Gazette has learned.
Multiple national security sources familiar with the matter described the episode as a “coup d’état,” citing President Bola Tinubu’s lack of prior approval. “Mr Ojulari told us he didn’t know Olatimbo Ayinde,” one official said. “He also said he heard she was trying to control businesses at NNPC and he rejected such moves.”
Ojulari, appointed in April due to his hydrocarbon expertise as a former Shell executive, was reportedly interrogated about ties to Olatimbo Ayinde, a UK-indicted British-Nigerian oil mogul close to the Tinubu administration.
The Gazette earlier reported that Nigerian anti-graft operatives were instructed to stall British prosecutors’ evidence requests in Ayinde’s bribery case.
Ojulari has not responded to requests for comment.
The presidency, SSS, and EFCC have also not issued statements as of Saturday morning.