Senate Distances Itself from Kyari Arrest Warrant, Rebukes Oshiomhole

The Nigerian Senate has disassociated itself from comments made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole describing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as “a bunch of criminals and thieves,” stating that his remarks do not represent the official position of the Senate.

The Senate also clarified that no committee of the National Assembly has the authority to issue, approve, or execute an arrest warrant without following the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and obtaining the approval of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The clarification followed a motion moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele during Thursday’s plenary session.

The statement comes a day after the Senate Committee on Public Accounts reportedly recommended an arrest warrant for former NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari over his alleged failure to appear before the committee despite repeated invitations.

Several senators, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, criticised Oshiomhole’s comments, warning that personal opinions expressed by lawmakers should not be mistaken for the official stance of the Senate.

The lawmakers urged senators to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions and Senate rules while carrying out their duties. Some members also called on Oshiomhole to publicly withdraw his remarks.

In response, Oshiomhole defended himself, saying he reacted after NNPCL officials allegedly made statements attacking lawmakers.

According to him, senators had been accused of recommending their children for jobs at NNPCL and were told that they did not have a monopoly on patriotism.

He stated that his comments were intended to defend the Senate and its members rather than tarnish the image of the institution. Nevertheless, he added that he would apologise if that was the collective wish of the Senate.

Oshiomhole also questioned why he had become the focus of the controversy, noting that he was not the senator who initiated the motion seeking Kyari’s arrest.

During the debate, the Edo North senator referenced previous Senate discussions concerning allegations in the Auditor-General’s report about an unaccounted ₦210 trillion, arguing that the Senate's interest in Kyari stemmed from those concerns and his failure to appear before the committee.

His remarks were interrupted after the Senate Chief Whip raised a point of order, prompting a brief exchange among lawmakers before Akpabio restored order.

The Senate President reminded members that the issue before the chamber concerned Oshiomhole’s alleged unparliamentary remarks and questions surrounding the reported arrest warrant.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Kyari has informed the Senate that he is currently outside Nigeria receiving critical medical treatment. A letter said to have been signed by him on May 8, 2026, surfaced shortly after news of the proposed arrest warrant became public.

The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to due process, legislative discipline, and lawful oversight of public institutions.