The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has directed security agencies to arrest former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, following his failure to appear before the panel investigating alleged unaccounted funds amounting to ₦210 trillion.
The directive was issued after Kyari did not attend the committee’s session, despite multiple invitations linked to queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation covering the period between 2017 and 2023.
Some lawmakers, including Senators Saliu Mustapha and Tony Nwoye, appealed for leniency, citing reports that Kyari was receiving medical care abroad. However, other members rejected the request, insisting that no official documentation had been presented to justify his absence.
Senator Abdul Ningi argued that verbal explanations were insufficient, while Senator Victor Umeh formally moved a motion for the issuance of an arrest warrant, which was seconded by Deputy Committee Chairman, Senator Peter Nwaebonyi.
Committee Chairman, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, subsequently approved the motion after a voice vote, instructing that Kyari be brought before the panel to respond to the allegations.
Meanwhile, former Chief Financial Officer of the NNPCL, Umar Ajiya Isa, dismissed claims of missing funds, describing the ₦210 trillion figure as unrealistic.
He explained that the company’s total revenue during the period under review stood at approximately ₦54.5 trillion, making it impossible for the alleged amount to be unaccounted for.
Ajiya further refuted claims that ₦5.8 billion was spent on the company’s corporate restructuring, urging investigators to verify records with relevant regulatory bodies.
He warned that unverified allegations could damage Nigeria’s global reputation and affect investor confidence, citing past disruptions to major projects as a consequence of misleading claims.
The committee has directed Ajiya and other relevant officials to return for further questioning as the investigation continues.
