Ex-NNPCL Boss Kyari Challenges Senate Over Arrest Warrant, N210trillion Probe, Cites Medical Trip Abroad

A former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, has reacted to the arrest warrant issued against him by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, expressing shock over the decision and insisting that he had earlier informed the committee that he was outside Nigeria receiving medical treatment.

The reaction came hours after the committee ordered security agencies to arrest and produce Kyari before lawmakers over his failure to appear at an investigative hearing probing allegations of N210 trillion in unaccounted funds in NNPCL’s accounts between 2017 and 2023.

In a letter dated June 10, 2026, obtained by SaharaReporters, Kyari said he had previously written to the committee on May 8 and that the correspondence was received on May 11, informing lawmakers that he was abroad on medical grounds and unable to attend the hearing physically.

“I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant, especially as I had earlier communicated with your committee via a letter dated and received on 11th May, 2026,” Kyari wrote.

“In that letter, I informed the Committee that I was out of the country on medical grounds. I also expressed my willingness to honour the Committee’s invitation as soon as I return to Nigeria.”

He added that he had offered to respond to any questions from the committee in writing to avoid delaying its work.

“I wish to reiterate that 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,” the former NNPCL boss stated.

In the earlier letter dated May 8, 2026, Kyari said he was unaware of any formal invitation before learning of the committee’s directive that he appear before lawmakers over issues relating to NNPCL’s accounts during his tenure.

“However, I wish to respectfully state that I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation. Notwithstanding this, I would have gladly honoured the invitation and appeared before the Committee to provide any clarification required,” he wrote.

“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.”

Kyari also requested that any questions from the committee be forwarded through his legal representatives to enable him provide clarifications while receiving treatment abroad.

He further defended his stewardship at NNPCL, stating that proper records of all transactions undertaken during his tenure were maintained and remained available within the company for verification.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts had earlier on Wednesday ordered Kyari’s arrest after lawmakers rejected appeals by some senators to grant him additional time to appear before the panel.

The committee is investigating 19 audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation concerning NNPCL’s financial records between 2017 and 2023, including allegations that N210 trillion could not be properly accounted for.

During the hearing, senators including Saliu Mustapha and Tony Nwoye urged caution, citing reports that Kyari was receiving medical treatment in Germany.

However, other lawmakers opposed any further delay.

Senator Abdul Ningi argued that claims of illness should be supported by documentary evidence, while Senator Victor Umeh moved the motion for Kyari’s arrest.

Seconding the motion, Deputy Chairman of the committee, Peter Nwaebonyi, said the panel had already convened nine times on the matter and could not afford further delays.

Former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, also backed the move, warning that the Senate risked undermining its authority if its summons were ignored.

Following a voice vote, committee chairman Ibrahim Dankwambo directed that Kyari be arrested and brought before the committee.

Meanwhile, former NNPCL Chief Financial Officer, Umar Isa, who appeared before the panel, rejected allegations that N210 trillion was missing from the company’s accounts.

“To be clear, if money had gone missing at NNPC during our tenure, we would not have had the courage to publish audited accounts,” Isa said.

He maintained that NNPCL’s total revenue during the period under review was approximately N54.5 trillion, arguing that it was mathematically impossible for N210 trillion to be missing.

The committee subsequently directed Isa and former Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Bala Wunti, to reappear before it within two weeks as the investigation continues.