Senate Tightens Noose Over N210trn Query, Summons Kyari, Wunti Again, Threatens Ojulari with Arrest

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts on Wednesday intensified its probe into the alleged unaccounted N210 trillion in the audit reports of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), as former top executives of the corporation opened fresh communication with lawmakers while the current Group Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Bayo Ojulari, faced renewed threats of arrest.

The committee, chaired by Senator Aliyu Wadada Ahmed (Nasarawa West), warned that it would not hesitate to issue a warrant of arrest against Ojulari if he fails to personally appear before it on May 13, 2026, for the next phase of the investigation.

The probe centres on audit queries spanning 2017 to 2023, during which the Senate said over N210 trillion remains yet to be satisfactorily accounted for by the state-owned oil giant.

At Wednesday’s hearing, the immediate past Chief Finance Officer of NNPCL, Umar Ajia, appeared physically before the panel, took oath, and submitted copies of the audited financial reports containing the disputed figures.

Former Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, and former Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Bala Wunti, however, were absent but reportedly reached out to the committee to signal readiness to honour the next invitation.

According to Senator Wadada, Kyari personally called him ahead of the sitting to explain his absence, while Wunti contacted Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), assuring lawmakers that he would make himself available at the next hearing.

Despite the development, the committee expressed anger over the continued absence of the serving GCEO, Bayo Ojulari, especially over the manner his excuse was communicated.

A letter explaining his absence, dated April 29, 2026, and signed by NNPCL’s Chief Relations Officer, Morenike Adewumi, was rejected by lawmakers, who described it as unacceptable and disrespectful.

Senator Wadada issued a firm warning.

“Ojulari must appear before this committee at the next session. Failure to do so will leave us with no option than to compel his appearance by force,” he declared.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) was even more forceful in his criticism, accusing the NNPCL leadership of treating the Senate with contempt.

“What cannot be explained must be deemed to have been stolen,” Oshiomhole said.

“It is totally disrespectful for the NNPCL GCEO to send a letter signed by his subordinate to explain his absence before this committee. He must be reminded that if there is no Nigeria, there can be no NNPCL, let alone its GCEO.”

Following the heated exchanges, the committee directed Adewumi and NNPCL Financial Controller, Tajudeen Kareem, to personally deliver the Senate’s summons to Ojulari and ensure his attendance at the next hearing.

The lawmakers also instructed the officials to make copies of the relevant audit reports available to Mele Kyari and Bala Wunti ahead of the May 13 session.

The fresh move signals a tougher stance by the Senate as it presses for answers over one of the biggest financial accountability questions hanging over Nigeria’s oil sector.