ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has issued a warrant for the arrest of former NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, following his failure to appear regarding 19 financial queries involving ₦210 trillion in alleged unaccounted funds between 2017 and 2023. Despite pleas from some senators regarding Kyari’s current medical leave in Germany, the committee, led by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, voted to enforce the warrant, with Senator Adams Oshiomhole arguing that absence cannot prevent legislative oversight.
Responding from abroad, Kyari expressed shock, stating he had formally informed the committee of his medical leave and expressed willingness to cooperate upon his return.
Disputed Figures and Ongoing Probes
Former NNPCL CFO, Umar Ajiya Isa, challenged the ₦210 trillion figure, arguing the total revenue for the period was only ₦54.5 trillion, calling the accusations a misconception. The NNPCL has previously explained the figure as a combination of ₦103 trillion in accrued expenses and ₦107 trillion in receivables.
The Senate warrant intensifies scrutiny on the former administration, which faces multiple corruption petitions and ongoing probes into refinery rehabilitation and oil-for-debt agreements. The committee has ordered former executives to appear within two weeks for further investigation.
