The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has ordered the arrest of former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, after he failed to appear before lawmakers investigating audit queries involving the state-owned energy company.
The directive was issued on Wednesday during the committee's ongoing review of NNPCL's audited financial statements covering the period from 2017 to 2023.
Lawmakers are examining discrepancies amounting to about ₦210 trillion, comprising ₦103 trillion recorded as expenditures and ₦107 trillion listed as receivables in the company's accounts.
During the hearing, some committee members appealed for more time following reports that Kyari was receiving medical treatment in Germany. However, the committee rejected further delays, insisting that those responsible for the accounts must appear to provide explanations on issues raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
The committee expressed concern over what it described as repeated failures by former NNPCL officials to honour invitations, warning that such actions could undermine the National Assembly's oversight responsibilities.
Former NNPCL Chief Financial Officer, Umar Isa, reportedly maintained that the figures under review do not represent missing funds. According to him, the amounts relate to accounting entries contained in the company's audited financial records and should not be interpreted as unaccounted money.
Despite the explanation, the committee insisted that key officials involved in preparing and overseeing the accounts must clarify the issues raised during the audit process.
The latest development signals a major escalation in the Senate's scrutiny of NNPCL's financial records, as lawmakers seek explanations for the significant figures identified in the audit review.
As of the time of filing this report, Kyari had not publicly responded to the committee's directive.