Senate Orders Arrest of Ex-NNPCL Boss Mele Kyari Over Alleged ₦210tn Financial Discrepancies

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, over his failure to appear before the committee investigating alleged ₦210 trillion financial discrepancies in the company’s accounts between 2017 and 2023.

The decision was reached during the committee’s hearing on Wednesday after lawmakers rejected further postponement of the investigation despite appeals from some senators who cited reports that Kyari was receiving medical treatment in Germany.

The probe follows audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation concerning NNPCL’s financial records during the period under review.

Former NNPCL Chief Financial Officer, Umar Isa, however, defended the company against the allegations, insisting that no money was missing and describing the ₦210 trillion figure as misleading and inconsistent with the company’s actual revenue.

According to Isa, NNPCL generated approximately ₦54.5 trillion within the reviewed period, making claims of ₦210 trillion missing funds mathematically impossible.

He maintained that the publication of audited financial statements by the company demonstrated transparency and accountability, adding that inaccurate allegations could damage Nigeria’s reputation internationally and negatively affect investor confidence.

During the session, Senator Adams Oshiomhole warned that the Senate risked weakening its authority if public officials ignored legislative summons without consequences.

Committee Chairman, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, subsequently ruled that Kyari should be arrested and brought before the panel to answer the allegations.

The committee also directed Umar Isa and former Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Bala Wunti, to reappear before the panel within two weeks as the investigation continues.