Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has reacted to the arrest warrant issued against him by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, saying he had already informed the committee that he was outside the country receiving medical treatment.
Kyari described the decision of the committee as “deeply shocking,” insisting that he had formally notified lawmakers of his inability to attend the hearing due to health reasons.
In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Kyari stated that he had written to the committee on May 11, 2026, informing members that he was undergoing medical treatment abroad. He said the letter also conveyed his readiness to appear before the committee immediately after returning to Nigeria.
According to him, he had expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation and had offered to respond to any urgent inquiries through his legal representatives while receiving treatment.
“I also expressed my willingness to honour the Committee’s invitation as soon as I return to Nigeria,” Kyari stated, adding that he remains ready to appear before the committee once his health condition permits.
The former NNPCL boss denied allegations that he deliberately ignored the Senate invitation. He maintained that he did not receive any subsequent summons before the arrest 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 said.
Kyari explained that his medical condition currently prevents him from appearing physically before the committee and appealed to lawmakers to channel any questions or requests for clarification through his legal team pending his return.
He further assured the committee of his full cooperation and commitment to assisting the investigation.
Defending his stewardship at the national oil company, Kyari said his management transformed NNPCL from a loss-making organisation into a profitable commercial entity. He noted that all transactions carried out during his tenure 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 an arrest warrant against Kyari after he failed to appear before a scheduled hearing. The committee is investigating NNPCL’s financial records and transactions, including matters relating to over ₦210 trillion reportedly under review.
The motion for the warrant was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Despite the development, Kyari maintained that he has nothing to hide and remains committed to cooperating with the Senate’s investigation. :::
