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, expressing surprise over the decision and insisting he had already communicated his inability to attend proceedings.
In a letter dated June 10, 2026, Kyari said he had formally informed the committee earlier that he was outside the country on medical grounds and therefore unable to appear physically before lawmakers.
He stated that his earlier correspondence, sent on May 8 and acknowledged on May 11, explained his situation and also expressed willingness to cooperate with the ongoing probe.
“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,” he wrote.
Kyari maintained that his absence was not intended to obstruct the committee’s investigation, adding that he remained ready to appear once his medical situation allowed.
“I also expressed my willingness to honour the Committee’s invitation as soon as I return to Nigeria,” he added.
He further noted that he had offered to respond to questions in writing to avoid delaying the committee’s work while he was receiving treatment abroad.
“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 and at the convenience of the committee,” he stated.
In his earlier letter dated May 8, Kyari said he had not seen any formal invitation before reports of the Senate summons, insisting that he would have attended if properly notified.
“However, I wish to respectfully state that I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation… I am presently outside the country undergoing critical medical care,” he wrote.
Kyari also defended his tenure at the national oil company, stressing that all financial transactions under his leadership were properly documented and available for scrutiny.
“I remain deeply grateful to my country for the opportunity afforded me to serve with utmost diligence and commitment,” he said.
He added that relevant records remain within the company and can be verified by investigators.
The Senate Public Accounts Committee’s investigation stems from a wider audit review of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited covering financial activities between 2017 and 2023.
The probe was triggered by audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, which flagged major discrepancies in the company’s accounts, including unresolved figures running into trillions of naira.
Lawmakers say the committee is reviewing about 19 audit queries, with particular attention on claims that over ₦210 trillion in financial transactions could not be fully accounted for.
The arrest warrant against Kyari was reportedly moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole after he failed to appear before the committee during the ongoing investigation.
The committee insists his appearance is necessary to clarify issues surrounding the financial records of the national oil company, while Kyari maintains he has remained cooperative and available through official communication channels.