Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has questioned the arrest warrant issued against him by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, saying he had already informed the lawmakers of his inability to attend the hearing because he was receiving medical treatment abroad.
Kyari, in a letter dated June 10, 2026, said he was surprised by the committee’s decision, noting that he had earlier written to the panel on May 8 to explain his absence.
He said the letter, which was received by the committee on May 11, stated that he was outside the country on medical grounds and would appear before the lawmakers upon his return.
The former NNPCL boss stressed that his absence was not deliberate and did not amount to an attempt to delay or undermine the committee’s investigation.
“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 said.
He added that he remained willing to cooperate with the committee and had offered to provide written responses to any questions to ensure the probe was not stalled.
Kyari also maintained that he would appear before the committee once he returned to Nigeria and at a time suitable to the lawmakers.
He disclosed that he was not aware of any official invitation before learning of the committee’s directive requesting his appearance over issues concerning NNPCL’s financial records during his tenure.
According to him, he would have honoured the invitation if not for his medical situation, which prevented him from attending physically.
He requested that the committee forward its inquiries through his legal representatives, allowing him to respond while continuing his treatment abroad.
The former NNPCL chief executive defended his record in office, stating that transactions conducted during his tenure were properly documented and available for scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Public Accounts had issued the arrest warrant after Kyari failed to appear before it during an investigation into NNPCL’s financial activities.
The committee is examining 19 audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation concerning NNPCL’s accounts between 2017 and 2023, including allegations involving more than ₦210 trillion in transactions.
The motion for the warrant was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
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