Mele Kyari, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has reacted to the Senate's order for security agencies to arrest him over the ongoing investigation into the company's financial records during his tenure. The Senate Committee on Public Accounts issued the arrest warrant during its hearing on Wednesday, June 10, a decision Kyari described as "deeply shocking."
Kyari's Response to the Arrest Warrant
In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Kyari explained that he had previously informed the committee of his inability to appear due to medical treatment abroad. He stated, "I refer to the news of the arrest warrant issued against me during the proceedings of your esteemed Committee today, June 10, 2026. I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant."
Kyari's statement, sent to Legit.ng on Thursday, June 11, clarified that he had formally notified the committee in a letter dated May 11, 2026, about his medical treatment outside Nigeria. He also expressed his willingness to honor the committee's invitation upon his return and offered to respond to urgent inquiries through his legal representatives. He reiterated, "I also expressed my willingness to honour the Committee's invitation as soon as I return to Nigeria. 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."
Denial of Deliberate Avoidance
The former NNPCL chief denied allegations that he deliberately ignored the Senate's invitation, maintaining that he had not received any subsequent summons before the warrant was issued. Kyari explained that his current health condition makes it impossible for him to appear physically before the committee at this time. He urged lawmakers to direct any questions or requests for clarification through his legal team while he continues treatment abroad. He assured the committee of his full cooperation with the investigation and pledged to appear in person once his health permits.
Defense of His Tenure
Defending his tenure at the national oil company, Kyari said his management team transformed the NNPCL from a loss-making organization into a commercially viable and profitable entity. He added that all transactions undertaken during his administration were properly documented and remain available for scrutiny.
Related Developments
In a separate development, oil marketers in Nigeria have commenced negotiations with international suppliers to secure cheaper petroleum products. This move aims to stay competitive given the low prices offered by the Dangote Refinery and the NNPCL. The price war between the two major players has resulted in multiple price cuts over the last few months.
