Kyari breaks silence on reported Senate arrest warrant

Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has expressed shock over reports that the Nigerian Senate issued an arrest warrant against him, saying he had previously informed lawmakers of his medical absence abroad.

Kyari, in a statement shared through his representatives, said he was surprised by the development and maintained that the Senate had been duly notified of his inability to appear in person due to health-related travel outside the country.

The controversy follows reports that the Senate had taken enforcement action over his alleged failure to honour legislative invitations relating to ongoing inquiries. However, official documentation confirming the issuance of an arrest warrant has not been independently verified at the time of reporting.

Kyari’s response has drawn attention in political and energy sector circles, given his long tenure at the helm of NNPCL, where he oversaw significant policy and operational decisions in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The Nigerian Senate, which is yet to issue a comprehensive public statement on the matter, is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported directive in the coming days.

The situation adds to ongoing tensions between regulatory oversight bodies and senior public officials called to account before legislative panels, particularly in sectors considered critical to Nigeria’s economy.

As of press time, neither the Senate nor NNPCL has released additional official communication confirming enforcement details, and the matter remains under public scrutiny as stakeholders await further clarification.