Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has described the Senate Committee on Public Accounts’ decision to issue an arrest warrant against him as “deeply shocking” amid an ongoing investigation into the company’s financial history.
In a formal letter sent to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Kyari clarified that he had already informed the committee about his inability to attend the session because he is undergoing medical treatment abroad.
“I refer to the news of the arrest warrant issued against me during the proceedings of your esteemed Committee today, June 10, 2026. I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant,” he stated.
Kyari noted that he had officially alerted the committee via a letter on May 11, 2026, regarding his medical care outside Nigeria.
He explained that he had expressed his readiness to appear before the panel as soon as he returns, and had offered to handle any pressing questions through his lawyers in the meantime.
“I also expressed my willingness to honour the Committee’s invitation as soon as I return to Nigeria,” he said. “I wish to reiterate that I remain very willing and ready to honour the invitation of the Committee and to appear before it once I return to the country.”
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The former NNPCL boss strongly denied claims that he intentionally avoided the Senate’s invitation, asserting that he did not receive any follow-up summons before the warrant was approved.
“However, I wish to respectfully state that I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation. Had the invitation reached me, I would have gladly honoured it,” he stated.
Kyari explained that his medical situation currently prevents him from being physically present at the committee’s hearings.
He advised the lawmakers to forward any questions or requests for information to his legal counsel while he finishes his treatment overseas.
He promised the committee his complete cooperation with the ongoing probe, vowing to show up in person the moment his health improves.
Defending his time at the helm of the national oil firm, Kyari stated that his management successfully turned the NNPCL around from a loss-making entity into a highly viable and profitable commercial establishment.
He added that every financial transaction during his leadership was thoroughly documented and remains open for auditing.
“I remain deeply grateful to my country for the opportunity afforded me to serve with utmost diligence and commitment,” he said.
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts issued the arrest warrant following Kyari’s absence at a scheduled hearing. The panel is currently auditing the financial records and deals of the NNPCL, which includes looking into an estimated ₦210 trillion under review.
The motion to issue the warrant was put forward by Senator Victor Umeh and supported by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Nevertheless, Kyari insisted that he has absolutely nothing to conceal and stays fully dedicated to helping the Senate wrap up its investigation.
