…Denies Dodging Probe, Pledges To Appear After Treatment
A former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has reacted to the Senate Committee on Public Accounts’ decision to issue an arrest warrant against him, describing the development as “deeply shocking.”
In a formal response seen by THE WHISTLER addressed to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts at the National Assembly, Abuja, Kyari said he had earlier communicated with the committee regarding his inability to appear due to medical travel abroad.
“I refer to the news of the arrest warrant issued against me during the proceedings of your esteemed Committee today, 10th June, 2026. I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant,” he wrote.
Kyari stated that his position was consistent with a letter previously sent to the committee on May 11, 2026, in which he reportedly informed lawmakers that he was outside the country on medical grounds.
According to him, the earlier correspondence also conveyed his willingness to honour the committee’s invitation upon his return to Nigeria, while requesting the option of providing written responses to any questions that may require urgent attention.
“I also expressed my willingness to honour the Committee’s invitation as soon as I return to Nigeria,” he noted, adding that he had further requested permission to respond in writing should his medical trip affect the committee’s schedule.
Reiterating his position, Kyari maintained that he had not sought to evade the Senate’s invitation and insisted he remained fully cooperative with the legislative inquiry.
“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 and at the convenience of the Committee,” he said.
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts had earlier issued an arrest warrant against Kyari following his absence during its sitting, where it is probing financial issues linked to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
In the May 11 letter issued by Kyari to th3 Committee’s Chairman, the immediate past NNPC Boss had denied deliberately avoiding the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, insisting that he never received any fresh invitation from the panel before it issued an arrest warrant against him.
Kyari, who is currently undergoing medical treatment outside Nigeria, said he remains willing to appear before the Senate committee immediately after concluding his medical care abroad.
The Senate committee had reportedly resolved to issue the warrant after expressing dissatisfaction with Kyari’s absence from its proceedings.
The motion seeking the issuance of the arrest warrant was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during one of the committee’s hearings.
The lawmakers are investigating issues relating to NNPC Limited’s financial records, including allegations involving over ₦210tn currently under legislative scrutiny.
However, Kyari maintained that he had not been served with any subsequent invitation requiring his appearance before the committee.
“I am made to understand that your distinguished Committee directed that I appear before it in respect of matters relating to the account of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) during my tenure as Group Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer,” he stated.
“However, I wish to respectfully state that I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation.”
The former NNPC chief stressed that had the invitation reached him, he would have willingly honoured it.
“Notwithstanding this, I would have gladly honoured the invitation and appeared before the Committee to provide any clarification required,” Kyari added.
His explanation appears aimed at dispelling suggestions that he deliberately ignored the Senate committee or sought to evade legislative oversight.
Kyari further disclosed that his current medical condition has prevented him from appearing physically before the committee.
According to him, he is presently outside the country receiving critical medical care, making it impossible to attend the hearing at this time.
“Unfortunately, I am presently outside the country undergoing critical medical care and, due to these circumstances, I am unable to attend physically at this time,” he explained.
Despite his inability to appear in person, the former NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer assured the Senate of his full cooperation with the investigation.
He urged the committee to channel any questions or requests for clarification through his legal representatives to facilitate prompt responses.
“In view of the foregoing, I humbly request that my Counsel be furnished with any questions or inquiries the Honourable Committee may wish to raise, to enable me promptly provide the necessary explanations and clarifications,” he stated.
The request, observers say demonstrates his willingness to engage with the investigative process even while receiving treatment abroad.
Kyari also assured the lawmakers that he remains committed to appearing before the committee personally as soon as his health condition permits.
“I wish to assure the distinguished Committee of my utmost respect and willingness to make myself available at the earliest possible opportunity,” he said.
The former NNPC boss used the opportunity to express appreciation to Nigeria for the privilege of serving in one of the country’s most strategic institutions.
“I remain deeply grateful to my country for the opportunity afforded me to serve with utmost diligence and commitment,” he stated.
Kyari also defended his stewardship of the national oil company, insisting that his administration recorded significant achievements during its tenure.
He maintained that under his leadership, NNPC Limited underwent major reforms that transformed it from a loss-making enterprise into a profitable commercial entity.
“I firmly believe that under my leadership, my team and I performed creditably in transforming the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited from a loss-making entity into a profitable organization,” he said.
The former NNPC Boss further reassured the Senate committee that all transactions conducted during his tenure were properly documented and remain available for scrutiny.
“Furthermore, proper records of all transactions undertaken during my tenure were duly maintained and remain available within the NNPC for verification and reference,” Kyari noted.
His clarification comes amid growing public interest in the Senate’s investigation into the financial affairs of NNPC Limited.
The Public Accounts Committee had repeatedly emphasized its commitment to transparency, accountability and effective legislative oversight in the management of public institutions.
Lawmakers have insisted that all individuals and agencies connected to issues under investigation must cooperate fully with the National Assembly to ensure public confidence in governance processes.
However, Kyari’s latest response suggests that his non-appearance before the committee may have been influenced by communication gaps regarding subsequent invitations, rather than an outright refusal to honour the Senate’s summons.
Sources familiar with the matter also maintained that the former NNPC boss has no intention of evading accountability and remains prepared to respond to all issues relating to his tenure.
The sources noted that Kyari believes engaging with the committee through his legal representatives while receiving medical treatment abroad represents a practical interim arrangement until he is fit enough to travel.
Observers noted that the former NNPC chief’s willingness to cooperate and his request for the committee to furnish his legal team with specific enquiries could provide an avenue for constructive engagement between both parties.
While the investigation continues, Kyari has maintained that he remains respectful of the Senate and its constitutional oversight responsibilities.
He insists that he has nothing to hide regarding his stewardship of NNPC Limited and remains committed to providing every clarification required by lawmakers.
With his assurance to appear immediately after concluding his medical treatment abroad, the former NNPC chief has sought to reinforce his readiness to cooperate with the ongoing investigation while addressing concerns arising from his absence before the Senate panel.
(The Whistler)
