The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has ordered the arrest of the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over his failure to appear before lawmakers investigating alleged financial discrepancies amounting to N210 trillion.

The directive was issued on Wednesday following Kyari’s repeated absence from an ongoing probe into queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation regarding NNPCL’s financial records between 2017 and 2023.

The committee’s decision came after members rejected further requests to delay the hearing despite appeals from some lawmakers who cited reports that Kyari was undergoing medical treatment in Germany.

Senators Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) and Tony Nwoye (Anambra North) had urged the committee to grant the former NNPCL chief another opportunity to appear. However, several committee members opposed the suggestion, insisting that the investigation must continue without further delays.

Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) argued that claims of illness should be supported by documentary evidence, while Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) moved a motion calling for Kyari’s arrest. The motion was seconded by the committee’s deputy chairman, Senator Peter Nwaebonyi (Ebonyi North).
Nwaebonyi noted that the committee had held nine meetings on the matter and stressed the need to conclude its assignment.

Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, also backed the move, warning that the Senate risked undermining its authority if it failed to enforce compliance with its summons.

Following a voice vote, Committee Chairman Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe North) directed that Kyari be arrested and brought before the panel.

“Anywhere Mele Kyari is, he should be arrested and brought before this committee,” Dankwambo declared.

Meanwhile, former NNPCL Chief Financial Officer, Umar Isa, dismissed claims that N210 trillion was unaccounted for, describing the allegation as misleading and inconsistent with the company’s financial records.

According to Isa, NNPCL generated approximately N54.5 trillion in revenue during the period under review, making it impossible for N210 trillion to be missing.

He maintained that the company’s audited accounts were publicly released and insisted there was no missing money during the tenure of the management team.

Isa also rejected allegations that N5.8 billion was spent on the registration of NNPC Limited, urging the committee to verify the figures with relevant government agencies.

The former CFO warned that unverified allegations could damage Nigeria’s international reputation and negatively affect investor confidence and the country’s credit ratings.

The committee subsequently directed Isa and former Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Bala Wunti, to reappear before it within two weeks as investigations continue.