The Senate on Thursday withdrew a threat to arrest former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Mele Kyari, over his failure to appear before lawmakers investigating an alleged ₦210 trillion discrepancy in the company’s accounts.
The upper chamber also ruled that only the Senate President can approve a warrant of arrest against individuals invited by the National Assembly.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision after senators adopted the resolution through a voice vote during plenary.
The Senate’s decision reversed an earlier move by its Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
On Wednesday, the committee threatened to arrest Kyari after he failed to honour several invitations.
The panel is investigating audit queries contained in reports from the Auditor-General of the Federation and the reports cover NNPC Ltd’s financial records between 2017 and 2023.
Lawmakers want explanations for an alleged ₦210 trillion discrepancy identified in the accounts.
Akpabio directed all Senate committees to seek approval before issuing any arrest warrant in the future saying committees cannot exercise such powers independently.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele brought the matter before the chamber under Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Rules arguing that the committee’s actions could create a negative impression of Nigeria.
Bamidele also criticised comments made during the committee’s proceedings, specifically referred to remarks by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who described NNPC officials as a “bunch of criminals and thieves.”
According to Bamidele, such statements could damage the reputation of Nigeria’s national oil company and discourage investor confidence.
He urged the Senate to distance itself from the comments and withdraw the arrest threat against Kyari.
Most senators supported the motion when Akpabio put it to a vote.
Oshiomhole later clarified his comments during plenary.
The Edo North senator said frustration during the committee’s session influenced his reaction explaining that he made the remarks in the heat of the moment.
However, he did not formally withdraw the statement.
Despite the Senate’s intervention, the investigation into the alleged ₦210 trillion discrepancy remains active.
The Public Accounts Committee continues to examine audit findings linked to NNPC Ltd’s operations between 2017 and 2023.
The Senate launched the probe as part of its oversight responsibilities.
Lawmakers say the investigation aims to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
Kyari has yet to publicly respond to the committee’s invitations or the audit queries.
The Senate’s decision highlights the need to balance legislative oversight with established parliamentary procedures as scrutiny of NNPC Ltd continues.
