The Senate Committee investigating the financial records and operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has ordered the arrest of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, following his failure to honour an invitation to appear before the panel.

The decision was taken during an investigative hearing after lawmakers expressed displeasure over his repeated absence despite being formally summoned to provide explanations on the company’s financial activities.

A motion for his arrest was moved and subsequently seconded by members of the committee, leading to a unanimous directive for security agencies to apprehend and produce him before the panel.

The committee is currently probing alleged financial discrepancies and unaccounted funds said to be running into trillions of naira in the operations of the national oil company, amid broader concerns over transparency, accountability, and revenue management in the petroleum sector.

Lawmakers noted that the investigation is part of ongoing legislative oversight aimed at ensuring proper management of national resources and strengthening public trust in the operations of the NNPCL.

Further proceedings on the matter are expected to continue once the former NNPCL chief is brought before the committee.