Ex-NNPCL boss Kyari faults Senate arrest warrant

Former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari has voiced deep shock over an arrest warrant issued by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts. Kyari, in a letter dated June 10, 2026, stated that he had previously informed the committee on May 8 that he was abroad for medical reasons and unable to attend a hearing physically. He asserted that his absence was solely due to health issues and not an attempt to obstruct the committee's work. "I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant, especially as I had earlier communicated with your committee via a letter dated and received on 11th May, 2026," Kyari wrote. "In that letter, I informed the Committee that I was out of the country on medical grounds. I also expressed my willingness to honour the Committee’s invitation as soon as I return to Nigeria." He reiterated his willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation, offering to respond to any questions in writing to expedite the process. Kyari also mentioned that he had not received or seen the committee's invitation before learning of the directive to appear regarding NNPCL's accounts during his tenure. Kyari defended his stewardship, assuring that proper records of all transactions during his time at NNPCL were maintained and available for verification within the company. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the country with diligence and commitment.

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I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant, especially as I had earlier communicated with your committee via a letter dated and received on 11th May, 2026. In that letter, I informed the Committee that I was out of the country on medical grounds. I also expressed my willingness to honour the Committee’s invitation as soon as I return to Nigeria.