Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Public Accounts has directed the arrest of the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited), Mele Kyari, after he failed to appear before lawmakers investigating alleged financial discrepancies totalling ₦210 trillion between 2017 and 2023.
The resolution followed Kyari’s absence at a scheduled investigative hearing into queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation. Lawmakers said the committee had repeatedly invited the former oil chief without compliance.
During the session, some members of the committee chaired by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo urged restraint, noting reports that Kyari was receiving medical treatment in Germany and should be granted another opportunity to appear.
However, several senators opposed any further delay, insisting on enforcement action. Senator Abdul Ningi argued that claims of illness required formal medical documentation, while Senator Victor Umeh subsequently moved a motion for a warrant of arrest. The motion was seconded by Deputy Chairman Senator Peter Nwaebonyi, who said further invitations would undermine the committee’s work.
“This is the ninth time this committee is meeting on the 19 queries raised against NNPCL by the Office of the Auditor-General,” Nwaebonyi said, urging the panel to conclude its assignment and report back to the Senate.
Following a voice vote, the committee adopted the motion and directed that Kyari be arrested and brought before it.
Dispute over ₦210 trillion claim
Former NNPC Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya Isa, rejected the allegation that ₦210 trillion was unaccounted for, describing the figure as inconsistent with the company’s audited financials.
He said NNPC generated about ₦54.5 trillion in revenue over the review period, arguing that the disputed sum exceeded total earnings and was therefore “impossible.”
“To be clear, if money had gone missing at NNPC during our tenure, we would not have had the confidence to publish audited accounts,” he said, adding that the company’s financial statements had undergone significant reforms after decades of limited disclosure.
Isa also dismissed claims that ₦5.8 billion was spent on the incorporation of NNPC Limited, calling the allegation misleading and reputationally damaging.
He warned that unverified financial claims could undermine investor confidence and negatively affect Nigeria’s sovereign perception among international rating agencies.
Next steps in investigation
The committee also directed former NNPC officials, including Bala Wunti, the former Chief Upstream Investment Officer, to reappear before it in two weeks as the probe into the company’s financial records continues.
The Senate says it aims to conclude the investigation and submit its findings after reviewing all outstanding audit queries.