Former NNPCL Boss Denies Dodging Senate Investigation, Says Medical Treatment Abroad Prevented Appearance
By Baron Eloagu
ABUJA, Nigeria – June 11, 2026
A dramatic confrontation unfolded at the National Assembly on Wednesday as members of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts intensified scrutiny of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), with former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, calling for the immediate arrest of former Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, over allegations involving trillions of naira in unaccounted public funds.
The heated session, marked by sharp exchanges and allegations of financial misconduct, has further escalated concerns surrounding the management of Nigeria’s oil wealth and the accountability of officials who have overseen the nation’s most strategic revenue-generating institution.
The development came as Kyari broke his silence, describing the Senate’s decision to issue an arrest warrant against him as “deeply shocking” while insisting he remains willing to cooperate with lawmakers once he returns from medical treatment abroad.
Oshiomhole Launches Scathing Attack on NNPCL
The Senate hearing took a dramatic turn when Oshiomhole rejected suggestions that NNPCL remains one of Nigeria’s most sought-after institutions for employment due to its prestige.
In a blistering criticism, the former labour leader argued that the company’s public image has become synonymous with corruption.
According to him, many Nigerians seek employment in the oil corporation not because of its reputation for excellence, but because of widespread perceptions regarding access to public resources.
Oshiomhole further argued that the Senate Committee must exercise its constitutional powers decisively, insisting that accountability mechanisms lose credibility when influential public officials evade scrutiny.
“The law is only meaningful when it can hold powerful individuals accountable, not merely punish the weak,” he maintained.
Senate Pushes for Immediate Arrest
The senator urged the committee to issue and enforce a warrant compelling Kyari’s appearance before lawmakers.
According to Oshiomhole, allegations involving trillions of naira cannot be ignored at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with debt pressures, fiscal deficits and economic hardship.
He argued that the magnitude of the allegations warrants urgent intervention by oversight institutions.
The lawmaker also criticized what he described as a culture of impunity among senior public officials who allegedly consider themselves beyond the reach of constitutional oversight.
Questions Over Medical Treatment Abroad
During the session, Oshiomhole also questioned reports that Kyari was receiving medical treatment overseas while millions of Nigerians continue to face challenges accessing quality healthcare within the country.
The senator maintained that public officials entrusted with managing national resources must be prepared to account for their stewardship regardless of their current status.
He insisted that responsibility for decisions taken while serving as chief executive cannot be delegated to representatives or former subordinates.
Senators Cite Repeated Failure to Appear
Supporting the motion for Kyari’s arrest, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi of Ebonyi North expressed frustration over what he described as repeated failures by the former NNPCL chief to honour invitations from the committee.
According to him, the committee has convened multiple sessions concerning the matter without securing Kyari’s appearance.
Nwebonyi emphasized that the Senate Public Accounts Committee derives its authority directly from constitutional provisions and therefore deserves full cooperation from public officials.
He argued that persistent absence before the committee creates an impression that the allegations under investigation are not being treated with the seriousness they deserve.
Probe Focuses on Alleged Trillions Under Review
The Senate investigation reportedly centres on financial transactions and accounting records involving more than ₦210 trillion currently under legislative review.
Lawmakers are examining audit queries and financial reports concerning NNPCL’s operations during Kyari’s tenure as Group Chief Executive Officer.
The probe forms part of broader efforts by the National Assembly to strengthen oversight of public finances and improve transparency in the management of national assets.
Kyari Breaks Silence
Reacting to the Senate’s action, Kyari insisted that he never deliberately ignored the committee’s invitations.
In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, the former NNPCL boss stated that he had formally notified lawmakers of his medical treatment abroad and expressed willingness to appear once his health condition permits.
He said he had also indicated readiness to respond through legal representatives should urgent clarifications be required.
Kyari further claimed he did not receive any subsequent invitation prior to the issuance of the arrest warrant.
According to him, had such communication reached him, he would have complied with the committee’s request.
Former NNPCL Boss Defends His Record
Kyari used the opportunity to defend his stewardship of the national oil company, arguing that his administration transformed NNPCL from a loss-making government enterprise into a commercially viable and profitable corporation.
He maintained that all transactions undertaken during his tenure were properly documented and available for scrutiny by relevant authorities.
The former GCEO reiterated that he has nothing to conceal and remains committed to assisting the Senate’s investigation.
He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Nigeria and insisted that his management team acted in accordance with established procedures.
Growing Pressure for Transparency
The latest confrontation comes amid increasing public demands for accountability in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, which remains the backbone of government revenue despite persistent concerns over transparency and financial management.
Civil society organisations, industry analysts and anti-corruption advocates have repeatedly called for stronger oversight of NNPCL operations, particularly regarding revenue remittances, subsidy expenditures, crude oil production figures and contractual obligations.
The Senate probe is therefore being closely watched as a potential test of the National Assembly’s willingness to hold powerful public institutions accountable.
As the Senate intensifies its investigation into allegations involving trillions of naira in NNPCL transactions, the standoff between lawmakers and former Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari has opened a new chapter in Nigeria’s accountability debate.
While senators insist that no public official should be beyond legislative scrutiny, Kyari maintains that his absence was necessitated by medical reasons and not an attempt to evade investigation.
The outcome of the Senate probe could have significant implications for transparency, public trust and future governance of Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
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