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 its ongoing investigation into the company’s financial records.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a letter addressed to the chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Kyari said he had previously informed lawmakers of his inability to appear before the committee because he was undergoing medical treatment outside Nigeria.
“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 explained that he had formally notified the committee in a letter dated May 11, 2026, about his medical condition and treatment abroad. He added that he had also conveyed his readiness to appear before the committee upon his return to Nigeria and offered to respond to 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 deliberately ignoring the Senate’s invitation, insisting 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 said his current health condition makes it impossible for him to appear physically before the committee at this time. He urged lawmakers to channel any questions or requests for clarification through his legal team while he continues treatment abroad.
He also 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 transformed the NNPCL from a loss-making organisation into a commercially viable and profitable entity. He maintained that all transactions carried out 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 issued the arrest warrant after Kyari failed to appear before it during a scheduled sitting. The committee is investigating NNPCL’s financial records and transactions, including matters relating to more than ₦210 trillion reportedly under review.
The motion for the warrant was moved by Victor Umeh and seconded by Adams Oshiomhole.
Despite the development, Kyari insisted he has nothing to hide and remains committed to assisting the Senate in its investigation.
