I Am Deeply Sh*cked!” — Ex-NNPCL Chief Reacts To Arrest Warrant, Explains Senate Absence

Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has described as “deeply shocking” the Senate Committee on Public Accounts’ decision to issue an arrest warrant against him over an ongoing investigation into the operations of the national oil company.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a formal response addressed to the committee chairman and obtained by The Whistler, Kyari said he had earlier notified lawmakers that he was outside Nigeria receiving medical treatment and therefore unable to attend the hearing in person.

He maintained that he had no intention of evading the Senate’s invitation and reaffirmed his willingness to fully cooperate with the probe.

Kyari referenced an earlier correspondence dated May 11, 2026, in which he reportedly informed the committee of his medical trip and expressed readiness to appear upon his return.

“I refer to the news of the arrest warrant issued against me during the proceedings of your esteemed Committee today, 10th June, 2026. I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant,” he stated.

He added that he had also indicated willingness to provide written responses if his medical condition affected the committee’s schedule.

The former NNPC boss denied deliberately ignoring the Senate panel, insisting he had not received any fresh invitation prior to the issuance of the warrant.

“I am made to understand that your distinguished Committee directed that I appear before it in respect of matters relating to the account of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited during my tenure. However, I wish to respectfully state that I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation,” he said.

Kyari further explained that he would have attended the hearing had he been properly notified, adding that his current medical condition prevented him from travelling at this time.

“Unfortunately, I am presently outside the country undergoing critical medical care and, due to these circumstances, I am unable to attend physically,” he noted.

Despite his absence, he assured the committee of his readiness to cooperate fully with the investigation and respond to all inquiries.

He requested that all questions be directed to his legal representatives to ensure prompt and structured responses.

“In view of the foregoing, I humbly request that my Counsel be furnished with any questions or inquiries the Honourable Committee may wish to raise,” he said.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts had earlier issued the arrest warrant following dissatisfaction with Kyari’s absence from its proceedings. The panel is currently investigating financial issues linked to NNPCL, including alleged transactions amounting to over ₦210 trillion.

The motion for the warrant was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during a committee session.

Defending his tenure, Kyari said his leadership of the NNPCL was marked by significant reforms, adding that the company transitioned from a loss-making entity to a profitable commercial organisation.

“I remain deeply grateful to my country for the opportunity to serve with diligence and commitment,” he said.

He further maintained that all transactions under his administration were properly documented and remain available for verification.

Kyari reiterated his respect for the Senate’s oversight role, stressing that he had nothing to conceal regarding his stewardship of the national oil company.

He assured lawmakers that he would appear before the committee once his medical treatment is completed and his condition allows travel, noting that his legal team would continue engaging with the panel in the interim.