Senate Committee orders arrest for Ex-NNPC MD, Mele Kyari over missing N210tn

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has ordered an arrest against former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Mele Kyari, over his failure to appear before lawmakers investigating an alleged N210 trillion discrepancy in the company’s financial records.

The committee issued it on Wednesday after Kyari failed to honour multiple invitations to explain issues raised in reports by the Auditor-General of the Federation covering the period from 2017 to 2023.

Committee chairman Ibrahim Dankwambo said lawmakers had exhausted efforts to secure Kyari’s appearance and may be forced to compel him through legal means.

Kyari was removed from office by President Bola Tinubu in April 2025 amid several corruption-related allegations and petitions.

Probe into N210 trillion discrepancy

The controversy stems from concerns raised over NNPC Ltd’s audited financial statements, which came under scrutiny in June 2025.

At the time, the Senate committee gave the national oil company a seven-day ultimatum to explain the alleged discrepancies. However, the deadline was missed as top NNPC officials were reportedly attending a management retreat.

The company later submitted a written response in November 2025, explaining that N103 trillion represented accrued expenses, while N107 trillion was classified as receivables.

The explanation was rejected by the committee, which insisted that senior company officials appear in person to provide further clarification.

The investigation remained unresolved until Dankwambo took over leadership of the committee and revived the probe.

Lawmakers express frustration

Several senators voiced dissatisfaction with Kyari’s continued absence during the committee session.

Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central said the committee could no longer tolerate further delays and urged lawmakers to compel the former NNPC chief to appear.

Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central said reports indicated that Kyari was outside Nigeria despite expectations that he would attend the hearing.

According to Umeh, the former NNPC boss was treating the committee’s invitation with disregard.

“This matter has lingered for too long. We have expected Mr Mele Kyari to appear before us for over a year, only to hear that he is abroad. It shows he is not taking this committee seriously,” he said.

Umeh called on Kyari to return to Nigeria immediately and answer questions relating to the investigation.

“We cannot wait for him at his convenience. This is a national issue, and he should cut short his trip and appear before this committee,” the senator added.

However, Senator Tony Nwoye of Anambra North said he had spoken with Kyari and was informed that the former NNPC chief was receiving medical treatment in Germany.

A proposal by Senator Babangida Hussaini of Jigawa North-West to discuss the matter in a closed-door session was opposed by other members of the committee.

Former Edo State governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole urged lawmakers to exercise their constitutional powers and compel Kyari’s appearance.

“There are some people who see themselves as bigger than Nigeria. This committee must have the courage to deploy its powers and ensure Mele Kyari appears before us,” Oshiomhole said.

Former NNPC CFO disputes missing funds claim

Also appearing before the committee was Umar Ajiya, a former Chief Financial Officer of NNPC Ltd, who rejected suggestions that N210 trillion was missing from the company’s accounts.

Ajiya argued that the figure was inconsistent with the company’s total earnings during the period under review.

“The total revenue generated by NNPC within that period was about N54.5 trillion. Even if no expenses were incurred in producing oil, how can N210 trillion be missing?” he asked.

He recommended a forensic audit of the company to establish the facts and determine whether any wrongdoing occurred.

“If anyone has stolen public funds, anti-corruption agencies should investigate and prosecute those responsible. But claims that N210 trillion is missing should be properly verified,” he said.

Ajiya further warned that repeated allegations of missing trillions of naira could damage the reputation of NNPC Ltd and undermine investor confidence in Nigeria.

He said unverified claims about the company could negatively affect the country’s international image and economic prospects.

“These issues do not only affect individuals or the company; they also affect Nigeria’s reputation. Information released to the public can influence how international agencies and investors perceive the country,” Ajiya said.