Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has voiced deep surprise and disappointment following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts.
In a letter dated June 10, 2026, Kyari informed the committee that he had earlier communicated his inability to attend a hearing due to ongoing medical treatment abroad. He emphasized that his absence was purely health-related and not intended to obstruct 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 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.”
Kyari reiterated his readiness to cooperate fully with the probe. He offered to respond to any questions in writing to avoid delaying the committee’s work and pledged to appear before the lawmakers in person upon his return to the country.
In his earlier correspondence dated May 8, 2026, which was received on May 11, Kyari stated that he had not received any formal invitation prior to learning about the committee’s directive. Despite this, he expressed willingness to provide clarifications on issues relating to NNPCL’s accounts during his tenure.
“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,” he explained. He requested that questions be channeled through his legal representatives while he continues treatment abroad.
Defending his leadership at the NNPCL, Kyari assured that all transactions undertaken during his tenure were properly documented and remain available for verification within the company.
“I remain deeply grateful to my country for the opportunity afforded me to serve with utmost diligence and commitment,” he added.
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts issued the arrest warrant after Kyari failed to appear before it as part of an ongoing investigation into NNPCL’s financial records. The committee is scrutinizing 19 audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation concerning the company’s accounts between 2017 and 2023. These include allegations that over ₦210 trillion in financial dealings could not be properly accounted for.
The motion for the warrant was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Kyari’s letter comes amid heightened scrutiny of the petroleum company’s finances, with the Senate panel seeking detailed explanations on major transactions from his time as CEO.
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