Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has reacted to the arrest warrant issued against him by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, describing the development as surprising and unexpected.
In a letter dated June 10, 2026, Kyari stated that he had already informed the committee earlier about his inability to appear physically, noting that he was abroad for medical treatment.
He explained that his initial correspondence, sent on May 8 and received on May 11, clearly indicated his health condition and assured lawmakers of his readiness to honour the invitation once he returned to the country.
Kyari insisted that his absence was not meant to frustrate the committee’s investigation, adding that he had remained open to full cooperation.
“I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant, especially as I had earlier communicated with your committee… I informed the Committee that I was out of the country on medical grounds,” he stated.
He further added that he had expressed willingness to appear before the panel upon his return, or provide written responses if required to avoid delaying proceedings.
In the earlier communication, Kyari also said he had not seen any formal invitation before hearing about the committee’s directive for him to appear over issues relating to NNPCL’s financial records during his tenure.
He maintained that while he was willing to respond to the committee’s questions, he was currently receiving medical care abroad and therefore unable to attend in person.
Kyari also requested that any inquiries be channelled through his legal representatives so he could respond appropriately while undergoing treatment.
Defending his time in office, the former NNPCL boss stated that all transactions carried out under his leadership were properly documented and available for verification within the organisation.
He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the country, insisting that his administration maintained transparency and accountability in financial records.
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts had earlier issued the arrest warrant after Kyari failed to appear before it during an ongoing investigation into NNPCL’s financial operations.
The probe covers audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General, including allegations involving trillions of naira in transactions between 2017 and 2023.
Lawmakers say the warrant followed repeated failure to honour invitations, as the committee continues its scrutiny of the company’s accounts.