The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has ordered the arrest of former Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, following his repeated failure to appear before lawmakers investigating audit queries involving approximately N210 trillion.
The decision was taken during the committee’s resumed hearing on Wednesday as lawmakers intensified scrutiny of financial records contained in reports from the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation covering the activities of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) between 2017 and 2023, with particular attention on NNPCL accounts.
The committee had earlier summoned key current and former NNPCL officials, including the current Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, former Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajia, and Bala Wunti, alongside external auditors, to explain figures flagged in the audit report.
However, Kyari’s absence at Wednesday’s session drew sharp reactions from members of the committee, who accused the former NNPCL chief of repeatedly ignoring invitations to appear before the Senate panel.
Leading the call for stronger action, Senator Victor Umeh moved a motion for the issuance of an arrest warrant, arguing that Kyari’s continued absence demonstrated disregard for the committee and underscored the need for him to answer questions relating to the alleged financial discrepancies.
During deliberations, Senator Tony Nwoye informed the committee that Kyari had earlier told him he was ill and receiving treatment in Germany. The explanation, however, failed to convince several lawmakers.
Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi rejected the justification, maintaining that Kyari had ignored multiple invitations from the committee and could no longer evade accountability. According to him, the former NNPCL boss had failed to honour about nine separate summons.
Following a unanimous voice vote, the committee chairman, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, approved the motion and directed that a warrant of arrest be issued against Kyari.
Lawmakers said the move is intended to compel the former NNPCL chief to appear before the committee and provide explanations regarding audit findings linked to one of Nigeria’s most strategic state-owned enterprises.
The investigation remains part of the Senate’s broader oversight efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public funds and institutions.
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