Kyari Responds To Senate Arrest Warrant Says Medical Trip Abroad Was Duly Communicated To Committee

Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, has described the Senate Committee on Public Accounts’ decision to issue an arrest warrant against him as “deeply shocking,” in his first reaction to the development.

In a formal response, he maintained that he had already communicated his situation to the lawmakers in a previous letter dated May 11, 2026, which stated that he was currently outside the country for medical treatment.

He emphasized his continued willingness to cooperate with the legislative inquiry, noting that his earlier correspondence explicitly promised he would honor the invitation immediately upon his return to Nigeria. To prevent his medical trip from disrupting the committee’s schedule, Kyari had also requested permission to provide written submissions for any urgent questions requiring immediate attention.

Reiterating his respect for the Senate, Kyari insisted he remains fully cooperative and ready to appear before the panel at their earliest convenience once he arrives back in the country. He defended his actions by stressing that he has never sought to bypass the committee's authority and remains committed to assisting with their investigation.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts issued an arrest warrant for Mele Kyari due to his absence from hearings investigating financial records at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. The panel resolved to issue the warrant after expressing strong dissatisfaction with the former NNPC boss's failure to attend the proceedings. The legislative probe centers on massive financial issues, including allegations involving over ₦210 trillion currently under strict parliamentary scrutiny.

The motion to issue the arrest warrant was formally moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during one of the committee's recent hearings. Lawmakers authorized the measure to compel cooperation with the ongoing legislative inquiry into the state oil company's accounts. The committee maintained that his presence was vital to addressing the severe financial discrepancies being evaluated by the panel.

In a letter dated May 11, Kyari strongly denied deliberately evading the committee, insisting he never received a fresh invitation before the warrant was issued. He explained that he is currently outside Nigeria undergoing medical treatment but remains fully cooperative. He pledged to appear before the Senate committee immediately after concluding his medical care abroad to address the financial questions.

Mele Kyari clarified that he had not been served with any subsequent invitation requiring his appearance before the committee prior to the issuance of the arrest warrant. He explained that while he understands the panel directed him to appear regarding the financial accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited during his tenure, he never received or saw the summons. This defense aims to dispel any suggestions that he deliberately ignored the lawmakers or sought to evade legislative oversight.

The former NNPC chief stressed that he would have willingly honored the invitation had the document actually reached him. He insisted that he respects the authority of the National Assembly and would have gladly appeared before the committee to provide any necessary clarifications regarding the state oil firm's records. His team emphasized that his absence was entirely a logistical and communication issue rather than a defiance of parliamentary authority.

Kyari further disclosed that his current health situation has made it physically impossible for him to attend the legislative hearings at this time. He is presently outside Nigeria receiving critical medical treatment, which prevents him from traveling back to Abuja for the scheduled proceedings. He noted that this health emergency is the sole reason he cannot meet with the lawmakers face-to-face.

Despite the ongoing medical travel, Kyari maintained his commitment to fully cooperating with the Senate's investigation into the company's financial records. He remains open to engaging with the committee through alternative means, such as written submissions, until his doctors clear him to travel. He reiterated that he will make himself available for a physical appearance immediately after concluding his medical care abroad.