Exclusive: Atiku’s Son-in-Law Linked to NNPC CEO’s Impending Exit Over Controversial Deals – Reports

The tenure of Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited may be nearing an abrupt end, TheCable has learned.

Though reports suggest he has resigned, insider sources reveal that Ojulari has not officially stepped down—yet his chances of retaining his position appear slim. “Only a miracle will keep him in office at this stage,” a source disclosed.

President Bola Tinubu, who appointed Ojulari just four months ago to replace Mele Kyari, is reportedly furious over security reports detailing Ojulari’s activities. The NNPC boss is under scrutiny for alleged money laundering involving multi-million dollar transfers to AA&R Investment Group, a company with interests in energy, agribusiness, logistics, and ICT.

The founder of AA&R, Abdullahi Bashir-Haske, is the son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a potential rival to Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The Baru Connection
Bashir-Haske allegedly enjoyed consistent NNPC patronage during the tenure of Maikanti Baru, who served as NNPC CEO from 2016 to 2019. However, when Kyari took over, he reportedly cut ties with Bashir-Haske due to disagreements over Baru’s estate.

Despite this, Bashir-Haske maintained a business relationship with Ojulari, who had previously worked in Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) and later founded BAT Advisory & Energy Company Nigeria Ltd.

“Sleeping with the Enemy”
Upon his appointment as NNPC GCEO in April, Ojulari reportedly reinstated all the privileges Bashir-Haske had lost under Kyari. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has since flagged some of these transactions, questioning Bashir-Haske over alleged “large-scale money laundering through sophisticated financial structures.”

There are growing concerns that NNPC funds may have indirectly supported opposition figures through these dealings. “The president is livid with rage. He sees this as a stab in the back,” an insider revealed.

While Ojulari’s exit appears imminent, sources suggest he may be offered a “soft landing” to avoid the perception of an early dismissal. “What Ojulari has been doing amounts to sleeping with the enemy,” the source added.

Insiders told TheCable that President Tinubu views Ojulari’s actions as a “stab in the back” and that a “soft landing” will likely be arranged for his exit, as removing him so early in his tenure could be politically delicate. The sources described Ojulari’s dealings as “sleeping with the enemy.”

The unfolding scandal raises fresh questions about accountability and political influence within Nigeria’s state oil corporation.