The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday escalated its probe into the finances of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) by ordering the arrest of former Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari. A parallel hearing descended into heated exchanges over allegations of unaccounted funds exceeding N210 trillion in the company's audited financial statements.
Senate Committee Invokes Constitutional Powers
The Senate Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, resolved to invoke its constitutional powers after repeated invitations to Kyari were allegedly ignored. The decision followed a motion by Senator Victor Umeh, who argued that the committee could no longer tolerate delays in what lawmakers described as one of the largest financial accountability exercises ever undertaken by the National Assembly.
“This matter has lingered for too long. Nigerians deserve answers. The committee cannot continue to wait indefinitely while critical questions concerning trillions of naira remain unanswered,” Umeh said.
Oshiomhole's Controversial Remarks
Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole backed the motion, arguing that Parliament risked diminishing its authority if it failed to enforce compliance. “Some people believe they are bigger than Nigeria. The law must be effective when it catches the lion, not only when it catches the rabbit,” he declared. Oshiomhole urged the committee to act without delay, saying, “Bring Mele Kyari here, dead or alive. These are allegations involving trillions of naira at a time Nigerians are suffering.”
Kyari's Absence Explained
Senator Tony Nwoye attempted to explain Kyari's absence, stating he had spoken with the former NNPCL boss, who was undergoing medical treatment in Germany. However, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi interrupted sharply, accusing Nwoye of defending Kyari. “You are not Kyari's lawyer!” Nwaebonyi fired back. The committee ultimately voted overwhelmingly in favour of issuing the arrest warrant.
Former CFO Defends Records
During a separate session, former NNPCL Chief Finance Officer Bala Ajiya defended the company's financial records, insisting that no funds were missing. He argued that the N210 trillion figure arose from accounting treatments involving different entities within the NNPCL structure. Ajiya also dismissed claims that N5.8 billion was used to register the new NNPCL, stating the actual amount was N2.9 billion paid to government agencies.
Oshiomhole's Fiery Exchange
Ajiya's remarks provoked a fierce reaction from Oshiomhole, who accused the former finance chief of lecturing lawmakers. Oshiomhole described NNPCL officials as “thieves,” triggering uproar. Chairman Dankwambo intervened to restore order, reminding participants that the committee's work was guided by audit reports, not speculation.
Senator Abdul Ningi cautioned against personal attacks and urged cooperation. Facing mounting criticism, Ajiya apologised to the committee, saying, “Mr Senator, I apologise for my utterances,” while maintaining that no funds were missing.
Other Developments
NNPC Upstream Chief Bala Wunti appeared before the committee, stating he had not received an invitation but was alerted by Senator Ningi. He requested time to review the report and was given two weeks. The committee also resolved to investigate why he was not invited.
Tuesday's proceedings highlighted the growing significance of the Senate's investigation and deep divisions over how to interpret the audit findings. With a warrant issued against Kyari, the investigation appears set to enter a more confrontational phase, raising questions about whether the disputed figures represent accounting irregularities or deeper governance failures in Nigeria's strategic oil sector.
