Kyari Says Senate Was Informed of Medical Trip, Rejects Arrest Warrant

Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has reacted to the arrest warrant issued against him by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, describing the decision as surprising and unwarranted.

In a letter addressed to the committee chairman, Kyari stated that he had earlier informed the lawmakers that he was outside the country receiving medical treatment and was therefore unable to attend the hearing.

According to him, a letter dated May 11, 2026, was sent to the committee notifying members of his medical trip abroad and expressing his readiness to honour the invitation once he returns to Nigeria. He also offered to provide clarifications through his legal representatives if any urgent issues required immediate attention.

Kyari denied claims that he ignored the Senate’s invitation, insisting that he did not receive any subsequent summons before the warrant was issued. He maintained that had such an invitation reached him, he would have appeared before the committee.

The former NNPCL boss said his current health condition prevents him from physically attending the proceedings but reaffirmed his commitment to cooperate fully with the investigation and appear before lawmakers when medically fit.

He further defended his record in office, stating that his administration transformed NNPCL into a commercially viable and profitable organisation. Kyari added that all transactions carried out during his tenure were properly documented and remain available for scrutiny.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts issued the arrest warrant after Kyari failed to appear before it during an ongoing probe into NNPCL’s financial records, including matters relating to over ₦210 trillion reportedly under review.

Despite the development, Kyari insisted he has nothing to hide and remains willing to assist the Senate in its investigation.