Senate Committee Orders Arrest of Former NNPCL GMD Mele Kyari ‘Dead or Alive’ Over Unaccounted N210 Trillion

The Nigerian Senate Public Accounts Committee has escalated its investigation into the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) by issuing a warrant of arrest for the former Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari. The dramatic decision came after Kyari repeatedly failed to appear before the panel investigating an unaccounted N210 trillion flagged in audit reports covering 2017 to 2023.

The order was issued on Wednesday after lawmakers grew frustrated with the absence of the former GMD. The committee had previously summoned Kyari alongside former Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajiya and former official Bala Wunti, but only Ajiya appeared for questioning.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole moved the motion for the arrest, expressing outrage over Kyari’s continued defiance. “This committee must issue a warrant to bring Mele Kyari, dead or alive. At a time Nigeria is heavily indebted, someone who should account for trillions of naira is giving us excuses,” Oshiomhole declared during the heated session.

The committee chairman, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, upheld the motion and ruled that Kyari should be arrested wherever he is found and brought before the committee immediately. The resolution will be forwarded to Senate President Godswill Akpabio for execution.

Senator Victor Umeh supported the decision, stating, “This matter has lingered for too long. Nigerians deserve answers. The committee cannot continue to wait indefinitely while critical questions concerning trillions of naira remain unanswered”.

The investigation centers on a staggering N210 trillion flagged in the Auditor General’s report. According to the committee, this figure comprises N103 trillion in cumulative joint venture cash calls and N107 trillion in subsidy receivables and sundry debts.

During the hearing, former CFO Umar Ajiya attempted to defend the company’s record, insisting no money was missing and arguing that the total revenue of the NNPCL during the period was only N54.5 trillion. “So how could N210 trillion be missing? Where has it gone? Ask the EFCC and NFIU to investigate it,” Ajiya told the committee.

His testimony, however, sparked a furious clash with Senator Oshiomhole, who shouted, “You are all thieves!” The exchange became so heated that Dankwambo and other members had to intervene to restore order.

The committee also raised concerns over an alleged N5 billion spent on changing the company’s name from NNPC to NNPCL. Senator Aliyu Wadada, who previously chaired the committee, described the expenditure as “unacceptable” and demanded satisfactory explanations.

Ajiya has been given two weeks to return with further documentation. Meanwhile, the warrant for Kyari remains active, with lawmakers vowing to compel his appearance to account for what they describe as one of the largest financial accountability exercises in the nation’s history.