Open Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Urgent Call for EFCC Investigation into Alleged Financial Misconduct by Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye
Subject: Demand for Immediate and Thorough Investigation into Allegations of Financial Crimes and Abuse of Office by Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye, Former Executive Vice President of NNPC Upstream
Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria,
We, a coalition of concerned Northern civil society organizations (CSOs) and stakeholders, respectfully address Your Excellency to express our deep concern regarding the alleged financial misconduct, abuse of office, and economic sabotage perpetrated by Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye, former Executive Vice President of the Upstream Department of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). These allegations, if left unaddressed, threaten the economic stability of our nation, undermine public trust in governance institutions, and erode the principles of transparency and accountability that Your Excellency’s administration has championed. We therefore call for the immediate intervention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate these grave allegations and ensure justice is served without delay.
Background and Context
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is a critical institution in Nigeria’s economic framework, overseeing the nation’s vast oil and gas resources, which remain the backbone of our economy. As such, any allegations of financial impropriety or abuse of office within the organization demand urgent attention, as they have far-reaching implications for national development, public welfare, and Nigeria’s global reputation.
Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye, during his tenure as Executive Vice President of the Upstream Department, held a position of immense responsibility, with oversight of critical operations in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. However, credible allegations have surfaced, accusing him of engaging in activities that not only violate the public trust but also constitute economic crimes against the Nigerian state and its people. These allegations, detailed below, paint a troubling picture of systemic corruption, mismanagement, and deliberate sabotage of national interests.
Specific Allegations Against Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye
1. **Corruption in Refinery Transactions**
It has been alleged that Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye was involved in irregularities surrounding refinery transactions, raising serious concerns about financial mismanagement. These irregularities reportedly involve opaque dealings that have cost the nation significant resources, undermining efforts to revitalize Nigeria’s refining capacity and achieve energy security. Such actions, if proven true, represent a direct assault on the economic well-being of Nigerians, as they contribute to inefficiencies in the oil sector and exacerbate the nation’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
2. **Abuse of Power and Manipulation of Settlement Funds**
Engr. Adokiye is accused of abusing his authority by manipulating settlement funds and bypassing due process in the awarding of oil and gas contracts. These actions allegedly favored select individuals and entities, sidelining qualified bidders and undermining the principles of fairness, transparency, and competitiveness. By circumventing established protocols, Engr. Adokiye is said to have enriched himself and his associates at the expense of the Nigerian people, further entrenching a culture of impunity within the sector.
3. **Sabotage of Procurement Proceedings**
The coalition has received reports that Engr. Adokiye deliberately undermined procurement processes by awarding contracts and licenses to cronies and unqualified entities. This practice not only stifled competition but also compromised the quality and efficiency of projects critical to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Such actions have far-reaching consequences, including delays in project delivery, inflated costs, and diminished returns on investments, all of which harm the nation’s economic interests.
4. **Encouragement of Illegal Oil Bunkering**
Perhaps the most alarming allegation is that Engr. Adokiye fostered illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta, allegedly for personal gain. This illicit practice has long plagued Nigeria’s oil industry, resulting in significant revenue losses, environmental degradation, and heightened insecurity in the region. By allegedly encouraging restiveness in the creeks, Engr. Adokiye is said to have contributed to the destabilization of communities and the perpetuation of criminal activities that undermine national security.
Failure to Honor EFCC Invitations
It is particularly troubling that, despite multiple invitations from the EFCC to address these allegations, Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye has consistently failed to appear before the Commission. While other NNPCL staff implicated in similar financial misconduct have honored the EFCC’s invitations and, in some cases, returned misappropriated funds, Engr. Adokiye remains at large, seemingly shielded from accountability. This apparent protection raises serious questions about the integrity of the investigative process and suggests the possibility of interference or favoritism.
We note with concern that Engr. Adokiye’s close association with Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, may be contributing to his ability to evade scrutiny. This situation undermines public confidence in the EFCC’s commitment to combating corruption impartially and reinforces perceptions of selective justice. The Nigerian people deserve an investigation that is thorough, transparent, and free from external influence.
Call to Action
In light of the foregoing, we respectfully urge Your Excellency to take the following actions:
1. **Direct the EFCC to Act Swiftly**
We call on Your Excellency to direct the EFCC to immediately invite Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye for questioning and to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations against him. The EFCC must be empowered to carry out its mandate without fear or favor, ensuring that no individual, regardless of their connections or influence, is above the law.
2. **Ensure an Impartial Investigation**
To maintain public trust, the investigation into Engr. Adokiye’s activities must be impartial, transparent, and uncompromised. The EFCC must be allowed to operate independently, free from political or institutional interference, to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable.
3. **Involve the Attorney General and National Assembly**
We call on the Attorney General of the Federation and the National Assembly to exercise their oversight functions and prevail upon the EFCC to prioritize this matter. The National Assembly, as the representative body of the Nigerian people, has a duty to ensure that allegations of economic crimes are thoroughly investigated and that justice is served.
4. **Prevent Further Economic Sabotage**
The allegations against Engr. Adokiye, if substantiated, represent a significant threat to Nigeria’s economic stability. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further financial losses and to restore confidence in the management of the nation’s oil and gas resources.
Consequences of Inaction
We wish to emphasize that failure to address these allegations promptly and decisively will have serious consequences. The Nigerian people, particularly those in the Northern region who have been vocal about these issues, are growing increasingly frustrated with the perceived lack of accountability in the oil and gas sector. Should the EFCC fail to invite Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye for questioning within the next 48 hours, we, as a coalition of Northern CSOs, will be left with no choice but to mobilize our members and supporters for a peaceful mass protest at the gates of the Presidential Villa. This action will be an exercise of our constitutional rights to demand justice, transparency, and accountability from our leaders.
A Call for Justice in the National Interest
The allegations against Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye are not merely a matter of individual misconduct; they represent a broader challenge to the integrity of Nigeria’s institutions and the trust of its citizens. The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility, and it is in the best interest of all Nigerians to ensure that those who betray the public trust are held accountable. The EFCC must act decisively to investigate these allegations, and Engr. Adokiye must be brought to book without delay.
We trust in Your Excellency’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that Nigeria’s resources are managed for the benefit of all citizens. Your administration has made significant strides in addressing systemic challenges, and we believe that your intervention in this matter will further demonstrate your resolve to combat corruption and promote good governance.
In conclusion, we, the undersigned coalition of Northern civil society organizations, respectfully urge Your Excellency to take immediate action to address the allegations against Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye. We call for a thorough and impartial investigation by the EFCC, with the support of the Attorney General and the National Assembly, to ensure that justice is served. The Nigerian people are watching, and they expect nothing less than accountability, transparency, and fairness in the handling of this matter.
We remain committed to supporting Your Excellency’s vision for a prosperous and just Nigeria. However, we will not hesitate to exercise our democratic rights to demand accountability if the EFCC fails to act swiftly. We trust that Your Excellency will act in the best interest of the nation and its people.
**Signed,**
Coalition of Northern Civil Society Organizations
Date: August 28, 2025
**Cc:**
- The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
- The Attorney General of the Federation
- The President of the Senate
- The Speaker of the House of Representatives
- The Nigerian Public
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