The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, has categorically dismissed as “poorly scripted fiction” explosive allegations by Peoples Gazette that he was abducted and forced to resign by security operatives.
In a strongly-worded statement released Saturday, Ojulari characterized the publication’s report as better suited “for a Nollywood thriller than credible journalism,” rejecting claims that he was coerced into stepping down from his position.
“I was neither arrested nor strong-armed into resigning,” Ojulari clarified with apparent amusement. “In fact, the only ‘pressure’ I faced was from my own conscience and commitment to accountability after the unnecessary controversy stirred around the Kigali trip.”
The oil executive emphasized that his resignation was “a personal decision, submitted through the appropriate channels—not at gunpoint in some spy movie scenario.
Peoples Gazette had earlier claimed that Ojulari was “abducted” on Friday night by officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Department of State Services, DSS, who allegedly forced him to sign a resignation letter at a “secret rendezvous” in Abuja.
The publication’s report alleged that EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi orchestrated what sources described as an illegal “coup” to remove the NNPCL chief.
Ojulari dismissed these claims as “not only baseless but laughable,” adding with characteristic humor: “If I were to be ‘forced out,’ it certainly wouldn’t be in silence—I’d have at least negotiated for a better headline!”
The resignation follows recent criticism over Ojulari’s official trip to Kigali, Rwanda, for an oil and gas conference. Critics had questioned the expenses associated with what Ojulari described as “a legitimate business engagement aimed at advancing Nigeria’s energy sector interests.”
The NNPCL boss maintained that the trip was conducted within proper guidelines and served Nigeria’s strategic energy interests.
Addressing allegations linking him to British-Nigerian businesswoman Olatimbo Ayinde, Ojulari stated firmly that he has “no personal or professional dealings with her” and found it “curious that her name keeps appearing in unrelated matters.”
“I’ve spent decades in the oil and gas industry, building a reputation on transparency and expertise—not gossip columns,” he declared.
Credible News recalls that Ms. Ayinde has been the subject of media attention regarding her alleged influence within government circles and is reportedly facing legal challenges in the United Kingdom.
Despite the leadership uncertainty, sources confirmed that NNPCL operations continue without disruption. The company remains focused on its mandate to drive Nigeria’s energy sector development.
In his statement, Ojulari urged the public to “disregard this fictional account and instead rely on verified statements from official channels.”
He concluded with a characteristic quip: “If I were going to stage a dramatic exit, I’d at least make sure it came with a soundtrack and better lighting.”
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s energy sector and raises questions about media accountability in reporting sensitive corporate governance matters.
NNPCL, the EFCC, and the DSS had not issued official statements at the time of publication.
