Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has described as “deeply shocking” the decision of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts to issue an arrest warrant against him over an ongoing investigation into the company’s financial records.
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 before it due to medical treatment abroad. “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,” he stated.
Kyari said he had formally notified the committee in a letter dated May 11, 2026, that he was receiving medical treatment outside Nigeria. According to him, he had also conveyed his willingness to honour the committee’s invitation upon his return and offered to respond to any urgent inquiries through his legal representatives. “I also expressed my willingness to honour the Committee’s invitation as soon as I return to Nigeria,” he said. “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.”
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. “However, I wish to respectfully state that I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation. Had the invitation reached me, I would have gladly honoured it,” he stated.
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.
Defending his tenure at the national oil company, Kyari said his management team transformed the NNPCL from a loss-making organisation into a commercially viable and profitable entity. He added that all transactions undertaken during his administration were properly documented and remain available for scrutiny. “I remain deeply grateful to my country for the opportunity afforded me to serve with utmost diligence and commitment,” he said.
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts had issued the arrest warrant after Kyari failed to appear before it during a scheduled sitting. The committee is investigating the financial records and transactions of the NNPCL, including issues relating to over ₦210 trillion allegedly under review. The motion for the warrant was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
But Kyari maintained that he has nothing to hide and remains committed to assisting the Senate in its investigation.
