In a spirited demonstration that echoed across the Nigerian diaspora, hundreds of Nigerians converged on the Nigerian High Commission and the UK Home Office in London on Monday, demanding the immediate deportation of Mele Kyari, the former chief of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The rally, organized by the group Rescue Nigeria Now, was fueled by accusations of extensive corruption during Kyari's tenure from 2019 to 2025, which protesters claim he fled Nigeria to evade.

With vibrant banners soaring high above the crowd, the protesters bore messages such as “Withdraw Mele Kyari’s residency now!” and “London is not for public officials who abused public trust.” The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency and deep frustration as demonstrators expressed their disillusionment with Kyari's alleged corruption and the apparent lack of accountability.

In a formal letter presented to the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, the group articulated their grievances, emphasizing their disbelief that Kyari could roam the streets of London while investigations into his actions back home remained unresolved. “It is beyond comprehension that Mr. Kyari walks freely while numerous petitions and evidence pile up against him in Nigeria,” the letter stated.

The document detailed a range of allegations, including the misappropriation of billions of dollars intended for the rehabilitation of Nigeria's oil refineries. “Under Kyari's leadership, funds meant for significant infrastructure improvements simply disappeared, and yet, the nation continued to struggle with imports of refined petroleum products,” the letter accused. It called into question the opaque nature of these financial dealings, likening the NNPCL during Kyari's tenure to an “impenetrable black box” that had led to eroded public trust.

Protesters articulated their views passionately, denouncing the lack of transparency in dealings related to the controversial fuel subsidy regime that Kyari oversaw. Claims of crony capitalism and baseless financial audits ignited outrage among demonstrators, who noted that Nigerian citizens bore the brunt of rising fuel prices and scarcity, exacerbated by the alleged mismanagement under Kyari's administration.

Highlighting the importance of accountability, the Rescue Nigeria Now coalition insisted that no individual, regardless of their status, should evade justice. “Kyari’s presence in the UK, which he has undoubtedly manipulated to escape scrutiny, undermines the integrity of both our nations. It’s imperative that he be held accountable,” they urged.

The coalition further accused Kyari of transferring illicit funds to UK bank accounts, raising concerns about how far-reaching his alleged misconduct might be. “There is strong reason to believe these actions violate the UK’s anti-money laundering laws,” the petition claimed, reinforcing the need for cooperation between the UK and Nigeria in combating corruption.

Addressing the UK Home Office, the group called for immediate action in accordance with international anti-corruption agreements. “With established treaties in place, we trust that the UK government will not allow individuals who have committed heinous acts of corruption to find refuge on its soil,” the letter implored.

In a clarion call for justice, the protesters demanded Kyari’s expulsion, urging that he must return to Nigeria to confront the allegations against him. “We must not allow the pervasive culture of impunity to proliferate. Justice must be served, and stolen funds must be recovered to alleviate the suffering of our people,” the letter concluded.

As the echoes of the protest linger in the air, the world watches closely to see what actions will unfold following this significant display of civic responsibility and the unyielding quest for accountability from Nigerians, both at home and abroad.