A former Chief Finance Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Umar Ajiyia Isa, has rejected allegations that he was apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday in connection with a purported $7.2 billion fraud. In a statement released on Wednesday, Isa clarified that he willingly presented himself for questioning and returned home immediately afterward.

“Nobody arrested me for any $7.2 billion in relation to any refinery fraud. I voluntarily submitted myself for questioning to the EFCC and thereafter I went home. To see in the media stories of my arrest over fraud is unfortunate,” he said.

Isa emphasized that his tenure at NNPCL concluded without any blemish on his character. “I served at NNPC Limited and I left with my integrity intact. Nobody has accused me of any fraud throughout my sojourn at the company. People who are pushing this false narrative of arrest and detention just want to tarnish my reputation,” he added.

Addressing his readiness to clear his name, Isa stated, “I am in this country and any day and any time the EFCC requests me to appear before them I will be present.” His confident rebuttal comes against the backdrop of mounting scrutiny over the company’s financial management.

Last week, the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, under the leadership of Aliyu Wadada, drew attention to troubling discrepancies totaling trillions of naira in NNPCL’s audited accounts. The committee’s review of financial statements covering 2017 to 2023 exposed “mind‑boggling and worrisome” variances.

In response, the committee handed the NNPCL finance team an 11‑item list of queries and demanded a comprehensive report within seven days. As questions linger over the refineries’ financial operations, Isa insists his record remains untainted and that he stands ready to assist any ongoing probe.