The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has ordered the arrest of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, after he failed to appear before lawmakers investigating allegations of N210 trillion in unaccounted funds linked to the company’s operations between 2017 and 2023
The decision was reached on Wednesday following Kyari’s continued absence from a hearing examining audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation concerning NNPCL’s financial records during the period under review.
At the session, former NNPCL Chief Financial Officer, Umar Isa, rejected claims that funds were missing, arguing that the N210 trillion figure being cited did not accurately reflect the company’s financial performance and was being misrepresented.
Despite appeals from some lawmakers for patience, the committee resolved to proceed with its investigation and issue a warrant for Kyari’s arrest.
Senators Saliu Mustapha and Tony Nwoye had urged the committee to grant the former NNPCL boss another chance to appear, citing reports that he was receiving medical treatment in Germany.
However, several members opposed any further postponement. Senator Abdul Ningi maintained that claims of illness should be backed by official documentation, while Senator Victor Umeh moved the motion for Kyari’s arrest.
Supporting the motion, Deputy Chairman of the committee, Senator Peter Nwaebonyi, said the panel could no longer afford delays.
“This is the ninth time this committee is meeting on the 19 queries raised against NNPCL by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, three of which were chaired by me.
“Mr Chairman, the time to issue a warrant of arrest against Mele Kyari is now because the committee must conclude its assignment and report back to the Senate.”
Senator Adams Oshiomhole also backed the move, warning that the National Assembly’s authority would be weakened if individuals ignored its summons without consequences.
“Some people believe they are bigger than Nigeria. The law must be effective when it catches the lion, not only when it catches the rabbit,” he declared. :::
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