Arrest Warrant: ‘I Am Deeply Shocked’ – Former NNPCL Boss Reveals Why He Can’t Appear Before Senate

A former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has described as “deeply shocking” the decision of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts to issue an arrest warrant against him over an ongoing investigation into the affairs of the national oil company.

Kyari, in a formal response addressed to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts seen by The Whistler, said he had earlier informed the committee that he was outside the country receiving medical treatment and could not physically attend its proceedings.

The former NNPC boss maintained that he had never intended to evade the committee’s invitation and remained willing to cooperate fully with the investigation.

In the letter, Kyari said his position had already been communicated to the committee in correspondence dated May 11, 2026.

“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,” he wrote.

According to him, the earlier letter explained that he was outside Nigeria on medical grounds and would honour the committee’s invitation upon his return.

“I also expressed my willingness to honour the Committee’s invitation as soon as I return to Nigeria,” he stated.

Kyari added that he had requested permission to provide written responses should his medical trip affect the committee’s timetable.

The former NNPC chief also denied deliberately avoiding the Senate panel, insisting that he had not received any fresh invitation before the warrant was issued.

“I am made to understand that your distinguished Committee directed that I appear before it in respect of matters relating to the account of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited during my tenure as Group Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer,” he said.

“However, I wish to respectfully state that I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation.”

He argued that had the invitation reached him, he would have willingly appeared before the lawmakers.

“Notwithstanding this, I would have gladly honoured the invitation and appeared before the Committee to provide any clarification required,” he added.

Kyari explained that his current medical condition had made it impossible for him to attend the hearing physically.

“Unfortunately, I am presently outside the country undergoing critical medical care and, due to these circumstances, I am unable to attend physically at this time,” he said.

Despite his absence, he assured the Senate committee of his readiness to cooperate with its investigation.

He urged the committee to channel any inquiries through his legal representatives to facilitate prompt responses.

“In view of the foregoing, I humbly request that my Counsel be furnished with any questions or inquiries the Honourable Committee may wish to raise, to enable me promptly provide the necessary explanations and clarifications,” he stated.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts had earlier issued an arrest warrant against Kyari after expressing dissatisfaction with his absence from its proceedings.

The panel is investigating financial matters relating to NNPC Limited, including allegations involving more than ₦210 trillion currently under legislative scrutiny.

The motion seeking the issuance of the warrant was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during one of the committee’s hearings.

Kyari also defended his record as head of the national oil company, insisting that his administration achieved significant reforms.

“I remain deeply grateful to my country for the opportunity afforded me to serve with utmost diligence and commitment,” he said.

The former NNPC chief maintained that under his leadership, the company was transformed from a loss-making enterprise into a profitable commercial organisation.

“I firmly believe that under my leadership, my team and I performed creditably in transforming the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited from a loss-making entity into a profitable organization,” he stated.