Nigeria’s Senate has ordered the arrest of former state oil company chief Mele Kyari, who is said to be receiving medical treatment in Germany, after he repeatedly failed to appear before lawmakers investigating ₦210 trillion, about $154 billion, in disputed financial entries at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company.
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts issued the order on June 10 after nine hearings into 19 audit queries involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, or NNPC, covering 2017 to 2023.
The investigation has intensified scrutiny of Africa’s biggest oil producer, where billions of dollars have been spent on state-owned refineries that have yet to achieve reliable production.
“Anywhere Mele Kyari is, the former group GCEO should be arrested and brought before the committee immediately,” committee chairman Ibrahim Dankwambo said after lawmakers approved the motion.
The ₦210 trillion under review, equivalent to about $154 billion, does not necessarily represent missing funds.
