Kyari reacts to Senate arrest warrant, says ‘deeply shocking’

The former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), am has described as “deeply shocking” the decision of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts to issue an arrest warrant against him. The warrant stems from an ongoing investigation into the national oil firm’s financial records.

​In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Kyari explained that he had previously informed the committee of his inability to appear before it due to medical treatment abroad. He expressed profound shock that lawmakers proceeded with the warrant despite his formal notification.

​Medical absence and willingness to cooperate

​Kyari noted that he had formally notified the committee in writing on 11 May 2026 regarding his medical treatment outside Nigeria. According to the former NNPCL chief, the correspondence conveyed his willingness to honour the committee’s invitation upon his return, whilst offering to respond to any urgent inquiries through his legal representatives in the interim.
​Reiterating his commitment to the process, Kyari maintained that his current health condition makes a physical appearance impossible at this time. He urged the committee to direct any immediate clarification requests to his legal team while he continues his recuperation abroad.

​Scrutiny of NNPCL financial records

​The former oil chief denied allegations that he deliberately ignored the parliamentary summons, stating that he had neither received nor sighted any subsequent invitation prior to the issuance of the warrant. He assured the committee of his full cooperation and pledged to appear in person as soon as his health permits.
​Defending his tenure, Kyari stated that his management team transformed the NNPCL from a loss-making organisation into a commercially viable and profitable entity.

He added that all transactions undertaken during his administration were properly documented and remain available for regulatory scrutiny.

​The Senate Committee on Public Accounts issued the arrest warrant following Kyari’s absence from a scheduled sitting. The legislative panel is currently investigating the financial records and transactions of the NNPCL, focusing on issues relating to over ₦210 trillion allegedly under review. The motion for the warrant was moved by lawmakers, Victor Umeh and Adams Oshiomhole.