The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has directed security agencies to arrest former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, following his failure to appear before lawmakers investigating financial issues raised in the company’s audited accounts.
The committee issued the order during a hearing on Wednesday after Kyari reportedly missed several invitations related to an ongoing probe into financial transactions recorded by the national oil company between 2017 and 2023.
Lawmakers are examining observations made by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation concerning NNPCL’s financial records during the period. Committee members expressed frustration over Kyari’s continued absence, noting that the investigation had already been delayed multiple times.
Some senators appealed for patience, citing reports that the former NNPC chief was receiving medical treatment in Germany. However, other members insisted that no official documentation had been presented to support the claim and argued that the committee could no longer postpone its work.
The committee’s deputy chairman, Senator Peter Nwaebonyi, said the panel had met repeatedly on the matter and needed to conclude its assignment. He stressed that the Senate had a responsibility to ensure accountability and complete its review within a reasonable timeframe.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole also backed the move, warning that failure to enforce the Senate’s summons could weaken the authority of the National Assembly.
Following deliberations, the committee chairman, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, directed that Kyari be apprehended and brought before the panel to answer questions relating to the audit findings.
Meanwhile, former NNPCL Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajiya Isa rejected allegations that as much as N210 trillion could not be accounted for in the company’s books. He argued that the figure was inconsistent with the company’s reported revenue during the period under review.
According to Isa, NNPCL generated about N54.5 trillion in revenue between 2017 and 2023, making claims of N210 trillion in missing funds unrealistic. He maintained that the company’s audited financial statements were publicly released and subjected to scrutiny, insisting that no such amount had disappeared.
Isa also disputed claims regarding billions of naira allegedly spent on the registration of NNPC Limited, describing the figures as inaccurate. He urged lawmakers to verify all records with the relevant agencies before drawing conclusions.
The former finance chief warned that unverified allegations could damage Nigeria’s reputation internationally and affect investor confidence. He cited past instances where negative reports allegedly complicated efforts to secure foreign financing for major energy projects.
As the investigation continues, the committee directed Isa and former Chief Upstream Investment Officer Bala Wunti to return within two weeks for further questioning. The panel is expected to continue reviewing the audit queries before presenting its findings to the Senate.
