The decision was taken on Wednesday during a resumed investigative hearing linked to audit reports from the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, covering government ministries, departments and agencies between 2017 and 2023.
The committee had invited the current leadership of NNPC Limited as well as former and present officials to respond to questions arising from the report. Those expected included the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, Kyari, former Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajia, Bala Wunti, and external auditors engaged by the company.
Tension rose at the hearing after Kyari was absent again, a development lawmakers described as a continued disregard for legislative summons.
Senator Victor Umeh moved the motion that led to the arrest order, arguing that Kyari’s repeated absence undermined the committee’s work.
“Kyari should be here; we cannot wait for him to appear before us at his convenience,” Umeh said.
He added that the matter under review required urgent attention, stating, “It is a national emergency that Mele Kyari should cut short his trip anywhere in the world and return home.”
Umeh further insisted that the former NNPC boss must account for the funds being queried. “We are talking about trillions of naira. The country is not faring well. If we have access to these funds, we will not be in this financial challenge,” he said.
He then moved for stronger action: “He must come and explain what has happened to these funds. So I so move that he should be issued a warrant of arrest.”
Senator Tony Nwoye, however, informed the committee that Kyari had recently assured him of his willingness to appear before lawmakers. He also added that the former NNPC chief was reportedly receiving medical attention abroad.
“I spoke to Mele Kyari; that was a week ago; he promised that he would be here. But incidentally, I learnt last night that the man is hospitalised in Germany,” Nwoye said.
His position was challenged by Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, who argued that Kyari’s absence could not be justified through informal explanations and noted what he described as repeated non-compliance.
Nwaebonyi said Kyari had ignored multiple invitations from the committee and should not be defended in his absence. He then supported the motion for an arrest warrant.
Following deliberations, the committee chairman, Ibrahim Dankambo, put the motion to a voice vote. It was unanimously approved by members, leading to the issuance of the warrant of arrest.
