Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has described the Senate Committee on Public Accounts’ decision to issue an arrest warrant against him as “deeply shocking.”
In a formal letter addressed to the committee chairman, Kyari clarified that he had earlier informed the panel of his inability to appear due to medical treatment abroad.
“I refer to the news of the arrest warrant issued against me during the proceedings of your esteemed Committee today, 10th June, 2026. I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant,” Kyari wrote.
He referenced a letter sent to the committee on May 11, 2026, in which he notified lawmakers that he was receiving medical care outside the country. In that correspondence, Kyari expressed his willingness to honour the committee’s invitation upon his return to Nigeria and offered to provide written responses to any urgent questions through his legal representatives.
“I also expressed my willingness to honour the Committee’s invitation as soon as I return to Nigeria,” he stated.
“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.”
Kyari firmly denied any attempt to evade the Senate’s invitation, noting that he had not received any fresh summons before the warrant was issued.
“However, I wish to respectfully state that I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation,” he said. “Had the invitation reached me, I would have gladly honoured it.”
The former NNPCL boss explained that his current medical condition has made it impossible for him to appear in person.
He urged the committee to channel any questions or requests for clarification through his legal team to ensure prompt responses while he continues treatment abroad.
Kyari assured the Senate of his full cooperation and respect for the legislative oversight process. He pledged to appear before the committee personally as soon as his health permits.
Defence of Tenure
In the letter, Kyari also defended his leadership of the national oil company, stating that his team transformed NNPCL from a loss-making entity into a profitable commercial organisation. He added that all transactions during his tenure were properly documented and remain available for scrutiny at the NNPCL.
“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 at its sitting. The panel is investigating financial records and transactions of the NNPCL, including allegations surrounding over ₦210 trillion.
The motion for the warrant was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Kyari’s latest response appears aimed at dispelling suggestions of deliberate non-cooperation, attributing his absence primarily to health reasons and possible communication gaps regarding subsequent invitations.
He has maintained that he has nothing to hide and remains committed to assisting the investigation.
