NEWS
Kyari Calls Senate Arrest Warrant “Deeply Shocking” as NNPC Probe Deepens ₦210 Trillion Scrutiny
Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, has reacted strongly to the decision of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts to issue an arrest warrant against him, describing the move as “deeply shocking” amid an ongoing investigation into the financial affairs of the national oil company.
The development comes as the Senate Committee on Public Accounts intensifies its probe into financial records tied to the NNPC, including alleged discrepancies involving over ₦210 trillion under legislative scrutiny.
In a formal response addressed to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Kyari explained that his absence from the committee’s proceedings was not deliberate, stating that he had earlier notified lawmakers that he was outside the country for medical reasons.
The former NNPC boss insisted he had no intention of evading the committee’s invitation and maintained that he remained open to full cooperation with the investigation.
Kyari said his position had already been formally communicated in a letter dated May 11, 2026.
“I refer to the news of the arrest warrant issued against me during the proceedings of your esteemed Committee today, 10th June, 2026. I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant,” he wrote.
He further explained that his earlier correspondence clearly stated that he was abroad for medical treatment and would appear before the committee upon his return.
“I also expressed my willingness to honour the Committee’s invitation as soon as I return to Nigeria,” he stated.
Kyari added that he had also requested to provide written responses should his medical condition affect the committee’s scheduling.
Kyari firmly rejected any suggestion that he was avoiding scrutiny, insisting that he had not received any fresh invitation before the arrest warrant was issued.
“I am made to understand that your distinguished Committee directed that I appear before it in respect of matters relating to the account of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited during my tenure as Group Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer.
“However, I wish to respectfully state that I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation,” he said.
He stressed that had he received the notice, he would have willingly appeared before the lawmakers.
“Notwithstanding this, I would have gladly honoured the invitation and appeared before the Committee to provide any clarification required,” he added.
Kyari explained that he is currently receiving medical care outside Nigeria, making physical attendance impossible at this time.
“Unfortunately, I am presently outside the country undergoing critical medical care and, due to these circumstances, I am unable to attend physically at this time,” he said.
Despite his absence, he assured the Senate committee of his readiness to fully cooperate with its investigation and provide all necessary information.
He also urged lawmakers to direct all inquiries through his legal representatives to ensure prompt responses.
“In view of the foregoing, I humbly request that my Counsel be furnished with any questions or inquiries the Honourable Committee may wish to raise, to enable me promptly provide the necessary explanations and clarifications,” he stated.
The arrest warrant was issued after members of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts expressed dissatisfaction with Kyari’s absence during its sitting.
The motion was reportedly moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during the hearing, as lawmakers pressed forward with scrutiny into the financial operations of the national oil company.
The committee is currently reviewing extensive financial records from the NNPC, with allegations surrounding trillions of naira still under examination.
Kyari also used his statement to defend his leadership record at the national oil company, insisting that his administration delivered significant reforms.
“I remain deeply grateful to my country for the opportunity afforded me to serve with utmost diligence and commitment,” he said.
He maintained that under his leadership, the company underwent a major transformation.
“I firmly believe that under my leadership, my team and I performed creditably in transforming the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited from a loss-making entity into a profitable organization,” he stated.
Kyari further emphasized that all financial transactions under his tenure were properly documented and available for review.
“Furthermore, proper records of all transactions undertaken during my tenure were duly maintained and remain available within the NNPC for verification and reference,” he said.
The former NNPC chief reiterated his respect for the Senate and its constitutional oversight role, insisting that he had nothing to conceal regarding his stewardship of the company.
He assured the committee that he would appear in person once his medical treatment abroad is completed and his health condition permits travel.
Kyari also clarified that his current engagement through legal representatives was temporary, pending his return to Nigeria, while reaffirming his commitment to full transparency and cooperation with the ongoing investigation.