Engineer Ahmadu Musa Kida, newly appointed Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has categorically denied a recent report by the online platform Newsweek NG alleging his arrest and forced resignation over purported links with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In an official statement released to the press on Saturday, Engineer Kida described the report as “entirely false, malicious, and fabricated with intent to mislead the public and tarnish both my reputation and that of the NNPC.” He emphasized that at no point has he been arrested or compelled to resign from his position, nor does he have any association with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“I remain steadfast in the service of the Nigerian people as Chairman of the NNPC. The claims currently circulating are baseless and should be disregarded in their entirety,” Kida stated. “I am committed to transparency, good governance, and the ongoing reforms within the oil and gas sector.”
The viral report, first published by Newsweek NG—a site known for peddling “fake news”—alleged that security agencies had detained and pressured him to step down due to supposed political connections with the former vice president. However, no credible evidence or official statement from security agencies or the presidency has corroborated these claims.
Political analysts have noted an upsurge in misinformation targeting prominent public figures, especially those in strategic sectors like petroleum. Many see the latest rumor as part of a broader campaign to undermine confidence in the NNPC’s leadership and ongoing sectoral reforms.
Engineer Kida, who is also the president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and currently in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire with the D’Tigress said “I am here in Abidjan with my girls who have qualified for the Afrobasket finals.” He concluded his remarks by calling on the general public to be vigilant against the spread of fake news and to support efforts aimed at national development. “At this critical time for our industry and country, unity and truth must prevail over rumor and falsehood.”
