By SUNTV Global Channel Political Desk
June 10, 2026
Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has challenged the arrest warrant issued against him by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, insisting that he had previously informed lawmakers that he was outside the country receiving medical treatment.
Kyari’s response came shortly after the Senate committee directed security agencies to arrest and produce him before lawmakers over an ongoing investigation into alleged financial discrepancies involving N210 trillion in NNPCL accounts between 2017 and 2023.
In a letter dated June 10, 2026, the former NNPCL boss expressed surprise over the committee’s decision, maintaining that he had formally notified the panel of his medical condition and temporary absence from Nigeria.
According to Kyari, a previous correspondence sent to the committee on May 8 and acknowledged on May 11 informed lawmakers that he was abroad for critical medical treatment and therefore unable to attend the hearing physically.
He stated that he had also offered to respond to any questions from the committee through written submissions in order not to delay the investigation.
Kyari reiterated his willingness to appear before the committee once he returns to Nigeria, stressing that he remains committed to cooperating with the lawmakers.
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts had earlier ordered his arrest after rejecting appeals from some senators who urged caution, citing reports that the former NNPCL chief was receiving treatment in Germany.
Lawmakers backing the warrant argued that the committee had already held multiple sittings on the matter and that continued absence by the former NNPCL boss undermined the authority of the Senate.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, alongside several other lawmakers, strongly supported the decision, insisting that public officials must be held accountable for their stewardship of public resources.
Meanwhile, former NNPCL Chief Financial Officer, Umar Isa, who appeared before the committee, rejected claims that N210 trillion was missing from the company’s accounts.
Isa argued that NNPCL’s total revenue during the period under review stood at approximately N54.5 trillion, making allegations of N210 trillion in missing funds mathematically impossible.
He further maintained that the publication of audited financial statements during their tenure demonstrated transparency in the management of the company’s affairs.
The Senate committee has directed Isa and former Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Bala Wunti, to reappear before lawmakers within two weeks as investigations continue.
The probe remains one of the most significant accountability investigations involving Nigeria’s oil sector in recent years and is expected to attract widespread public attention as lawmakers seek answers regarding the management of the nation’s petroleum revenues.
