Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Senate on Thursday formally distanced itself from the warrant of arrest issued earlier by its Committee on Public Accounts against former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mallam Mele Kyari. The upper chamber declared the action procedurally flawed and inconsistent with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, insisting that no Senate committee has the authority to independently issue, authorise or execute a warrant without the express approval of the Senate President.
The controversy erupted on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, during a heated investigative hearing of the Public Accounts Committee, when members resolved to issue an arrest warrant against Kyari over his repeated failure to honour invitations relating to 19 audit queries contained in the Auditor‑General’s reports on the NNPCL’s financial statements from 2017 to 2023, which allegedly involved transactions worth over ₦210 trillion. The motion for the warrant was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Responding swiftly, Kyari, in a formal letter addressed to the committee chairman, rejected claims that he was evading the investigation. He stated that he had earlier notified the panel in a letter dated May 11, 2026, of his inability to appear physically due to ongoing medical treatment abroad. He expressed willingness to honour the invitation upon his return and offered to channel urgent inquiries through his legal representatives. “I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant,” Kyari wrote. He denied deliberately ignoring subsequent summons, adding: “I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation. Had the invitation reached me, I would have gladly honoured it.” He assured the committee of his full cooperation and pledged to appear in person once his health permits, while also defending his tenure, stating that his management transformed the NNPCL into a commercially viable entity.
The matter was brought before the full Senate by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, through a point of order based on Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Rules. Bamidele argued that under Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, only the Senate President possesses the authority to issue a warrant compelling the attendance of witnesses. He warned that any attempt by a committee to independently issue a warrant could expose the Senate to legal challenges and undermine public confidence. Bamidele also faulted comments made by Senator Oshiomhole during the hearing, in which he reportedly described the NNPCL as “a bunch of criminals and thieves,” cautioning that such remarks could create the impression that the Senate had reached a conclusion before any lawful determination.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, and Minority Leader Abba Moro all backed the motion, stressing that committees are subordinate to the Senate and must operate within constitutional limits. Senator Adamu Aliero described Oshiomhole’s remarks as reckless and warned they could damage Nigeria’s reputation before international investors. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu urged Oshiomhole to withdraw the comments, noting the strategic importance of the NNPCL to the nation’s economy.
In his defence, Senator Oshiomhole clarified that the committee never intended to execute a warrant independently and acknowledged that such authority resides with the Senate President. He explained that his comments were made under provocation, after former NNPCL Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya, allegedly questioned the integrity of senators. “I acted under provocation because distinguished senators were being attacked unjustly and I thought I had a duty to defend all of us,” he said, adding that he did not mean to label all NNPCL employees as thieves.
After extensive debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote, and the Senate adopted resolutions reaffirming that only the Senate President can issue warrants compelling attendance before committees; directing all committees to strictly comply with constitutional and statutory provisions; urging lawmakers to avoid prejudicial comments during investigations; and formally declaring the warrant issued against Kyari “null and void.” Akpabio noted that while provocation may lead to regrettable statements, the Senate must protect the reputation of critical national institutions. “If the Nigerian Senate is seen to be criminalising what NNPCL stands for, no country will wish to do business with Nigeria,” he said. He later announced that he would meet with members of the Public Accounts Committee to ensure full compliance with Senate rules.
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