By Paul Joseph
Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has reacted to the arrest warrant issued against him by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, insisting that he had already informed lawmakers of his medical trip abroad and remains willing to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts and dated June 10, 2026, Kyari described the issuance of the warrant as “deeply shocking,” maintaining that he had not ignored the committee’s invitation.
According to the former NNPCL boss, he had earlier written to the committee on May 11, 2026, explaining that he was outside Nigeria undergoing critical medical treatment and was therefore unable to attend the hearing physically.
“I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant,” Kyari stated, noting that his previous correspondence had clearly informed the committee of his health situation and temporary absence from the country.
Kyari said he had also expressed readiness to appear before the committee immediately after his return to Nigeria and requested the opportunity to provide written responses to any urgent questions while receiving treatment abroad.
“I remain very willing and ready to honour the invitation of the Committee and to appear before it once I return to the country and at the convenience of the Committee,” he said.
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts had earlier issued a warrant for Kyari’s arrest after he failed to appear before lawmakers investigating financial records and transactions linked to NNPCL during his tenure. The probe reportedly centres on audit queries involving over ₦210 trillion flagged in reports by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation covering the period between 2017 and 2023.
The motion for the arrest warrant was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, after committee members expressed dissatisfaction with Kyari’s repeated absence from its proceedings.
However, the former NNPCL chief denied deliberately evading the Senate panel, claiming he never received any fresh invitation requiring his appearance after his initial communication with the committee.
“I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation,” Kyari stated, adding that he would have willingly honoured any summons had it reached him.
He stressed that his current medical condition made it impossible for him to appear physically before the committee but assured lawmakers of his full cooperation.
“To facilitate the process, my counsel can be furnished with any questions or inquiries the committee wishes to raise, and I will promptly provide the necessary clarifications,” he said.
Kyari further assured the Senate that he holds the National Assembly in high regard and remains committed to accountability and transparency.
Reflecting on his tenure at the national oil company, he argued that his administration transformed NNPCL from a loss-making entity into a profitable commercial organisation through a series of reforms and operational improvements.
“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 said.
The former NNPCL boss also maintained that all transactions carried out during his stewardship were properly documented and remain available for verification by relevant authorities.
His response comes amid growing public attention on the Senate’s investigation into NNPCL’s financial operations, with lawmakers insisting that all individuals connected to matters under review must cooperate fully with legislative oversight efforts.
While the committee continues its investigation, Kyari has reiterated that he has no intention of avoiding scrutiny and will personally appear before lawmakers once his medical treatment abroad is completed.
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