Senate Orders Arrest of Former NNPCL Boss Mele Kyari Over N210 Trillion Audit Queries

Nigeria’s Senate has intensified its investigation into the finances of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited by ordering the arrest of former Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari following his failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts.

The committee is currently examining a series of audit queries relating to the company’s financial records between 2017 and 2023, including questions surrounding an alleged ₦210 trillion that lawmakers say requires further clarification.

The decision to issue a warrant for Kyari’s arrest came after his absence from a committee hearing convened to review the outstanding audit concerns. Some lawmakers urged the committee to grant the former NNPCL chief another opportunity to appear, citing reports that he was receiving medical treatment in Germany. However, several committee members argued that no official documentation had been provided to support the claim.

During the session, lawmakers expressed frustration over what they described as repeated delays in the investigation. Members noted that the committee had held multiple meetings on issues raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation regarding NNPCL’s accounts, with several attempts made to secure Kyari’s appearance.

Following a motion presented during the hearing, the committee voted in favor of issuing a warrant to compel the former NNPCL boss to appear before lawmakers and respond to questions concerning the audit observations.

While the investigation continues, former NNPCL Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajiya Isa strongly rejected claims that ₦210 trillion was missing from the company’s accounts. Addressing the committee, Ajiya argued that the allegation was inconsistent with the company’s financial records and revenue profile during the period under review.

According to him, NNPCL generated approximately ₦54.5 trillion in total revenue between 2017 and 2023, making it mathematically impossible for ₦210 trillion to be unaccounted for. He maintained that no funds were missing and pointed to the publication of audited financial statements as evidence of the company’s commitment to transparency.

Ajiya also dismissed allegations that ₦5.8 billion was spent on the registration of NNPCL Limited, describing the claim as inaccurate and harmful to both the company’s reputation and Nigeria’s image internationally. He called on the committee to verify such claims with relevant agencies, including the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

The former CFO warned that unverified allegations involving large sums of money could have broader consequences for the country’s economy. He noted that international investors, credit rating agencies, and financial institutions closely monitor public reports when assessing investment risks and national credibility.

Drawing from previous experiences, Ajiya cited instances where controversial claims had allegedly affected investor confidence and delayed critical infrastructure projects. He stressed the importance of establishing facts through proper investigations rather than relying on assumptions or speculation.

He further suggested that agencies such as the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission should be involved in verifying the claims to ensure transparency and public confidence in the outcome of the investigation.

As part of its ongoing inquiry, the Senate Committee directed Ajiya and former Chief Upstream Investment Officer Bala Wunti to return before the panel in two weeks to provide additional information and clarification.

The investigation remains one of the most closely watched parliamentary probes in recent years, given the strategic role of NNPCL in Nigeria’s economy and the enormous figures involved. With the Senate determined to conclude its review, attention will now focus on whether Mele Kyari will appear before the committee and what further findings may emerge from the ongoing audit examination.