The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has ordered the arrest of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, following his failure to appear before the committee investigating allegations of ₦210 trillion in unaccounted funds between 2017 and 2023.
The decision was reached during a committee hearing on Wednesday after Kyari repeatedly failed to honor invitations concerning financial queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation regarding NNPCL's accounts during the period under review.
Some lawmakers, including Saliu Mustapha and Tony Nwoye, urged the committee to grant Kyari another opportunity to appear, citing reports that he is currently receiving medical treatment in Germany.
However, several committee members rejected the appeal. Abdul Ningi argued that claims of illness should be supported by official documentation, while Victor Umeh formally moved a motion for Kyari's arrest.
Supporting the motion, Deputy Committee Chairman Peter Nwaebonyi stated that the committee had already held nine meetings on the 19 audit queries raised against NNPCL and could no longer tolerate delays.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, also backed the move, saying the Senate must enforce compliance with its summons to maintain its authority.
Following a voice vote, Committee Chairman Ibrahim Dankwambo directed security agencies to arrest Kyari and bring him before the committee.
Former NNPCL CFO Disputes Allegations
Meanwhile, former NNPCL Chief Financial Officer, Umar Isa, rejected claims that ₦210 trillion was missing from the company's accounts.
According to Isa, NNPCL's total revenue during the period under review was approximately ₦54.5 trillion, making it impossible for ₦210 trillion to be missing or unaccounted for.
He maintained that the company published audited financial statements during their tenure and insisted that no funds had disappeared. Isa also dismissed allegations that ₦5.8 billion was spent on registering NNPCL Limited, describing such claims as inaccurate and damaging.
The former CFO warned that unverified allegations could harm Nigeria's international reputation, affect its credit rating, and discourage investors. He called on agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit to investigate the matter thoroughly and establish the facts.
Investigation Continues
The committee subsequently directed Umar Isa and former Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Bala Wunti, to return within two weeks for further questioning as the investigation continues.
The Senate's action marks a significant development in its ongoing scrutiny of NNPCL's financial records and efforts to determine whether any public funds were mismanaged during the period under investigation.
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