Senate Voids Arrest Warrant for Former NNPCL GCEO Kyari, Distances Itself from Committee's Actions
In a significant turn of events, the Nigerian Senate has nullified an arrest warrant purportedly issued against Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The Senate also formally distanced itself from controversial remarks made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who had reportedly described the NNPCL as “a bunch of criminals and thieves.”
The resolution came after an extensive debate on Thursday, June 12, 2026, where senators underscored the importance of adhering to constitutional procedures and the rule of law in legislative oversight functions. The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, sponsored a motion that declared the Senate Committee on Public Accounts lacked the authority to issue arrest warrants, stating that such powers exclusively rest with the Senate President.
The arrest warrant against Kyari was reportedly issued by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts over his alleged failure to honor multiple invitations to address audit queries concerning NNPCL's financial statements between 2017 and 2023, involving an alleged N210 trillion in unaccounted funds.
During the plenary session, senators emphasized that legislative committees must operate within the bounds prescribed by law, ensuring due process, fair hearing, and the presumption of innocence. The Senate reiterated that only courts of competent jurisdiction can determine criminal liability.
Furthermore, the Senate clarified that Senator Oshiomhole's remarks do not represent the official position or findings of the upper chamber. Lawmakers expressed concern that such statements could prematurely declare guilt and damage the reputation of the NNPCL and potentially deter investment.
Following the debate, the Senate unanimously adopted the prayers of Bamidele's motion, which included the nullification of the arrest warrant against Kyari, a reaffirmation of the Senate President's sole authority to approve warrants, and a directive for all committees to strictly comply with constitutional and statutory provisions.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also announced plans to convene a meeting with members of the Committee on Public Accounts to address the concerns arising from the recent hearing.
This development follows Kyari's earlier reaction to the arrest warrant, where he claimed to be undergoing medical treatment abroad and had informed the committee via a letter dated May 11, 2026, of his inability to attend the hearing.
The resolution came after an extensive debate on Thursday, June 12, 2026, where senators underscored the importance of adhering to constitutional procedures and the rule of law in legislative oversight functions. The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, sponsored a motion that declared the Senate Committee on Public Accounts lacked the authority to issue arrest warrants, stating that such powers exclusively rest with the Senate President.
The arrest warrant against Kyari was reportedly issued by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts over his alleged failure to honor multiple invitations to address audit queries concerning NNPCL's financial statements between 2017 and 2023, involving an alleged N210 trillion in unaccounted funds.
During the plenary session, senators emphasized that legislative committees must operate within the bounds prescribed by law, ensuring due process, fair hearing, and the presumption of innocence. The Senate reiterated that only courts of competent jurisdiction can determine criminal liability.
Furthermore, the Senate clarified that Senator Oshiomhole's remarks do not represent the official position or findings of the upper chamber. Lawmakers expressed concern that such statements could prematurely declare guilt and damage the reputation of the NNPCL and potentially deter investment.
Following the debate, the Senate unanimously adopted the prayers of Bamidele's motion, which included the nullification of the arrest warrant against Kyari, a reaffirmation of the Senate President's sole authority to approve warrants, and a directive for all committees to strictly comply with constitutional and statutory provisions.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also announced plans to convene a meeting with members of the Committee on Public Accounts to address the concerns arising from the recent hearing.
This development follows Kyari's earlier reaction to the arrest warrant, where he claimed to be undergoing medical treatment abroad and had informed the committee via a letter dated May 11, 2026, of his inability to attend the hearing.
This article and image are AI generated. For informational purposes only.