Senate Voids Arrest Warrant Against Mele Kyari, Distances Itself from Oshiomhole’s Remarks

The Senate has nullified the arrest warrant issued by its Committee on Public Accounts against former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, and formally distanced itself from comments made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole regarding the national oil company.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during plenary on Thursday.

The upper chamber held that the Senate Committee on Public Accounts lacked the authority to issue an arrest warrant, stressing that such powers are vested in the President of the Senate under the law.

The decision came a day after the committee announced an arrest warrant against Kyari during an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving NNPCL.

Presenting the motion, Bamidele stated that while the National Assembly has constitutional powers to conduct investigations, the authority to compel attendance through the issuance of warrants rests solely with the Senate President in accordance with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

He emphasised that legislative investigations should not be treated as criminal proceedings and warned against pronouncing individuals or institutions guilty before the conclusion of investigations or judicial determination.

The Senate Leader also faulted remarks attributed to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, in which the former Edo State governor reportedly described NNPCL as “a bunch of criminals and thieves.”

According to Bamidele, such comments could create the impression that the Senate had already reached a conclusion on matters still under investigation and may undermine public confidence in the objectivity of the oversight process.

The Senate subsequently resolved that the remarks did not represent its position or findings.

Supporting the motion, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin said committees remain subordinate to the Senate and can only make recommendations rather than exercise powers reserved for the full chamber.

Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, described the intervention as necessary to ensure that legislative activities remain within constitutional and legal boundaries.

Minority Leader Abba Moro also cautioned lawmakers against making statements capable of damaging reputations, noting that Senate proceedings are closely monitored by both local and international audiences.

Several lawmakers, including Senators Adamu Aliero and Orji Uzor Kalu, expressed concern that comments capable of portraying the national oil company negatively could affect investor confidence and Nigeria’s economic image.

Responding to the criticism, Oshiomhole said his remarks were made during a tense hearing and were based on issues raised in audit reports under investigation. He maintained that the committee had recognised its inability to independently issue a warrant and intended to refer the matter to the Senate President.

Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously adopted all resolutions contained in the motion, including the cancellation of the arrest warrant, reaffirmation of the Senate President’s authority regarding warrants, and a directive for all committees to strictly comply with constitutional and statutory provisions in the discharge of their duties.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also announced plans to meet with members of the Public Accounts Committee to address concerns arising from the ongoing investigation.

The development underscores the Senate’s commitment to due process and adherence to established legislative procedures in the conduct of oversight functions.