Kyari Challenges Senate Arrest Warrant, Cites Medical Treatment Abroad

Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, has faulted the Senate Committee on Public Accounts’ decision to issue an arrest warrant against him, insisting that he had informed lawmakers of his inability to attend their hearing due to medical treatment abroad.

In a letter dated June 10, 2026, Kyari said he had earlier notified the committee of his health condition and temporary absence from the country, stressing that his non-appearance was not an attempt to obstruct its investigation.

He expressed surprise at the warrant, noting that he had written to the committee in May, explaining his circumstances and assuring lawmakers of his readiness to appear once he returns to Nigeria.

Kyari also said he offered to respond to the committee’s inquiries through written submissions or his legal representatives to prevent delays in the ongoing investigation.

The former NNPCL boss maintained that all transactions carried out during his tenure were properly documented and remain available for verification within the company.

The Senate committee issued the warrant after Kyari failed to appear before it in connection with an ongoing probe into NNPCL’s financial records between 2017 and 2023. The investigation centres on 19 audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, including concerns over more than ₦210 trillion in financial transactions.