Mele Kyari, the former chief executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, has denounced the Senate's arrest warrant as "deeply shocking." He made the statement in response to the upper chamber's decision to issue the warrant during an investigation into NNPCL finances.
In a letter to the Senate Committee on Public Accounts chairman, Kyari explained his absence from the hearing. He noted that he'd already informed the committee about undergoing medical treatment outside Nigeria.
The former oil boss said he'd notified lawmakers on May 11, 2026 of his medical trip abroad. According to him, he also pledged to appear before the committee upon returning home.
"I remain very willing and ready to honour the invitation of the Committee and to appear before it once I return to the country," Kyari stated in the correspondence.
He disputed suggestions that he willfully ignored the Senate's summons. Kyari insisted he never received any subsequent invitation before the warrant was issued on June 10.
"I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation," he wrote. "Had the invitation reached me, I would have gladly honoured it."
Health concerns prevent him from appearing in person right now, Kyari explained. He requested that lawmakers channel any questions through his legal representatives during his treatment abroad.
Kyari pledged full cooperation with the panel's investigation. He committed to appearing in person once his medical condition improves sufficiently.
During his tenure, the former NNPCL leader said he steered the company toward profitability. He claimed the organisation had transformed from loss-making to commercially viable under his watch.
All dealings during his administration were properly recorded, according to him. Every transaction remains available for the Senate's examination and scrutiny.
"I remain deeply grateful to my country for the opportunity afforded me to serve with utmost diligence and commitment," Kyari noted.
Senators had voted to issue the warrant after Kyari failed to attend a scheduled sitting. Senator Victor Umeh introduced the motion while Senator Adams Oshiomhole provided his support.
Over ₦210 trillion in transactions fall under the committee's review scope. The panel is examining financial records and dealings connected to the national oil firm.
Kyari maintained his willingness to assist the Senate investigation. He reiterated that he has nothing to conceal from lawmakers or the public.
