Former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari appeared before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts on Tuesday, months after lawmakers threatened to compel his appearance over alleged financial irregularities.
Kyari arrived at Hearing Room 4 of the National Assembly with a delegation of oil company officials.
His appearance came amid an ongoing Senate investigation into alleged financial discrepancies and unresolved audit queries in the accounts of the NNPCL between 2017 and 2023, reportedly involving more than N210 trillion.
The committee, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, representing Gombe North, had resolved to invoke its constitutional powers to compel Kyari’s appearance following his alleged failure to honour several invitations.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, amid growing frustration among lawmakers over what they described as repeated attempts to frustrate the investigation.
The committee’s position was reinforced by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who accused the former NNPCL chief of failing to account for the alleged financial mismanagement during his tenure.
Oshiomhole had urged the panel to immediately issue a warrant of arrest, arguing that Kyari should personally appear before it to answer questions concerning the company’s financial records.
The former Edo State governor also rejected any attempt to allow Kyari to send representatives to the committee, insisting that he must personally account for his stewardship as the company’s former chief executive.
However, the Senate declared that no Senate committee has the authority to issue, authorise or execute a warrant of arrest except in strict compliance with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and with the express approval of the Senate President.
It also distanced itself from comments by Oshiomhole describing the NNPCL as “a bunch of criminals and thieves,” insisting that the remarks did not reflect the position of the Red Chamber.
