The Nigerian Senate has ruled that a reported arrest warrant against former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, was not properly authorised, stressing that such actions can only be taken under strict legal and procedural approval.
This clarification was issued during Thursday’s plenary after Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, raised concerns over the powers of committees to independently approve or execute arrest warrants.
Lawmakers insisted that no Senate committee has the authority to issue or enforce such a warrant without the approval of the Senate President and full compliance with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
The Senate explained that decisions affecting the liberty of individuals must follow due process and respect constitutional protections, including fair hearing, warning that bypassing these safeguards could amount to an abuse of legislative power.
The issue followed reports that the Senate Committee on Public Accounts had recommended the arrest of Kyari after he allegedly failed to honour invitations over queries linked to audit findings on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
The upper chamber also used the session to formally distance itself from controversial remarks made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who had referred to the NNPCL in harsh terms during a previous debate.
Lawmakers said individual comments by senators should not be mistaken for the official position of the Senate, especially on matters still under investigation.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin supported the clarification, noting that committees only serve as advisory and investigative bodies and cannot exercise powers reserved for the full chamber.
He stressed that adherence to Senate rules and the Constitution is necessary to preserve institutional credibility and public trust.
Other lawmakers also weighed in on the matter. Senator Tahir Monguno described the motion as necessary to protect legislative integrity, while Senator Abba Moro urged colleagues to be cautious with public statements that could damage reputations.
Senator Adamu Aliero criticised Oshiomhole’s comments, warning that such remarks could harm Nigeria’s investment climate and portray state institutions negatively to foreign investors.
Similarly, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu defended the importance of the national oil company and called for restraint in public commentary about the organisation.
In response, Oshiomhole defended his earlier remarks, saying they were made in reaction to what he described as unfair attacks on lawmakers by officials of the NNPCL. He maintained that his intention was to defend the Senate and not to undermine it.
He also clarified that he was not behind the motion seeking Kyari’s arrest and questioned why he was singled out in the controversy.
During the debate, he referenced ongoing concerns around audit issues involving the NNPCL, including alleged discrepancies raised in reports concerning large unaccounted funds. His remarks were, however, interrupted as Senate President Godswill Akpabio restored order in the chamber and redirected proceedings to the matter under consideration.
Meanwhile, Kyari has explained that he is currently outside the country receiving medical treatment. In a letter to the committee, he stated that he had earlier notified lawmakers of his situation and expressed willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation upon his return.
He added that his absence was not intended to obstruct the committee’s work and that he remains open to providing responses, including written submissions, while abroad.
