…Denies Dodging Probe

Former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has described as “deeply shocking” the decision of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts to issue a warrant for his arrest over its ongoing investigation into the company’s financial records.

In a letter addressed to the chairman of the committee, Kyari explained that he had previously informed lawmakers of his inability to appear before them because he was undergoing medical treatment abroad.

“I refer to the news of the arrest warrant issued against me during the proceedings of your esteemed committee on June 10, 2026. I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant,” he stated.

According to Kyari, he formally notified the committee in a letter dated May 11, 2026, that he was receiving medical treatment outside the country. He said he also expressed his readiness to honour the committee’s invitation immediately upon his return to Nigeria and offered to respond to urgent inquiries through his legal representatives.

“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 willing and ready to honour the invitation of the committee and to appear before it once I return to the country.”

The former NNPCL chief denied allegations that he deliberately ignored the Senate’s invitation, insisting that he had not received any subsequent summons before the warrant was issued.

“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 current health condition makes it impossible for him to appear physically before the committee at this time and urged lawmakers to channel any questions or requests for clarification through his legal team while he continues treatment abroad.

He assured the committee of his full cooperation and pledged to appear in person once his health permits.

Defending his stewardship of the national oil company, Kyari said his management transformed the NNPCL from a loss-making organisation into a commercially viable entity. He added that all transactions undertaken during his tenure were properly documented and remain available for scrutiny.

“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 had earlier issued a warrant for Kyari’s arrest after he failed to appear before it at a scheduled hearing. The committee is investigating NNPCL’s financial records and transactions as part of its oversight responsibilities.

The motion seeking the warrant was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

Despite the development, Kyari maintained that he has nothing to hide and remains committed to assisting the Senate in its investigation.