The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has ordered the arrest of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, following his repeated failure to appear before the panel investigating alleged financial discrepancies amounting to ₦210 trillion.
The committee reached the decision on Wednesday after Kyari failed to honour another invitation regarding audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation covering the period from 2017 to 2023.
Some lawmakers, including Senators Saliu Mustapha and Tony Nwoye, appealed for more time, citing reports that Kyari was receiving medical treatment in Germany. However, other members insisted that no official evidence of his illness had been presented and argued that the investigation should not face further delays.
Senator Abdul Ningi maintained that verbal explanations were insufficient without supporting documents, while Senator Victor Umeh moved a motion for Kyari’s arrest. The motion was seconded by the committee’s deputy chairman, Senator Peter Nwaebonyi, who noted that the panel had already held nine meetings on the 19 audit queries involving the NNPCL.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole also supported the move, stressing that the Senate must enforce its authority and ensure compliance with its summons. Following a voice vote, Committee Chairman Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo directed that Kyari be arrested and brought before the committee.
Meanwhile, former NNPCL Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajiya Isa dismissed claims that ₦210 trillion was unaccounted for, describing the figure as inaccurate and inconsistent with the company’s financial records. He argued that the NNPCL generated about ₦54.5 trillion in revenue during the period under review, making the allegation mathematically impossible.
Isa further defended the company’s financial management, stating that audited accounts had been published and warning that unverified claims could damage Nigeria’s reputation and creditworthiness. He urged agencies such as the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate the matter and establish the facts.
The committee subsequently directed Isa and former Chief Upstream Investment Officer Bala Wunti to return within two weeks as its investigation into the audit queries continues.