The Nigerian Senate has disowned key actions taken by its Public Accounts Committee during a high-profile investigation into alleged unaccounted funds said to involve the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, particularly a disputed claim that N210 trillion could not be accounted for.
What initially began as an aggressive oversight hearing quickly escalated into an institutional crisis before the upper chamber stepped in to overturn the committee’s position, distance itself from controversial remarks made during proceedings, and nullify an arrest warrant issued against former NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.
The Senate’s intervention came after a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who urged lawmakers to protect the integrity of the legislature and reinforce adherence to due process and statutory limits governing committee powers.
Central to the dispute were two flashpoints: the committee’s decision to issue a warrant of arrest against Kyari over his absence from a hearing, and remarks attributed to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who reportedly described the NNPCL during proceedings as “a bunch of criminals and thieves.”
Kyari had earlier informed the committee that he was unable to appear due to health reasons, stating through correspondence that he was willing to cooperate fully once medically fit. His absence was reportedly supported by other submissions indicating he was receiving treatment abroad.
Despite this explanation, the committee proceeded to issue an arrest warrant—an action that immediately sparked legal and procedural questions within and outside the National Assembly, particularly over whether a committee has independent authority to compel arrest without approval from the Senate leadership.
The controversy deepened after Oshiomhole’s remarks became public, drawing criticism from several lawmakers who argued that such statements were prejudicial and undermined the principle of fair hearing while investigations were still ongoing.
When the matter was brought before the full Senate as a point of urgent public importance, lawmakers debated both the legality of the committee’s actions and the broader implications for legislative conduct.
Bamidele, leading the debate, stressed that while Sections 88 and 89 of the Nigerian Constitution empower the legislature to conduct investigations for oversight purposes, such authority must be exercised strictly within legal boundaries. He further cited provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017, noting that only the presiding officer of the Senate has the authority to issue warrants compelling attendance.
He argued that the committee had acted beyond its powers, adding that such enforcement actions must follow due process and cannot be independently executed by committees.
Beyond procedural concerns, lawmakers also focused on the reputational impact of the remarks made during the hearing. Several senators warned that branding a public institution as criminal before the conclusion of an investigation undermines the presumption of innocence and could damage investor confidence.
Senators including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin supported the motion, insisting that committees must remain subordinate to the Senate and operate strictly within established rules. Others, including Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Abba Moro, Adamu Aliero, Orji Uzor Kalu, and others, also cautioned against premature public declarations that could prejudice ongoing investigations or harm national institutions.
Following deliberations, the Senate reached a series of resolutions effectively overturning the committee’s actions. It ruled that only the Senate President has the authority to approve warrants of arrest relating to legislative proceedings, and declared that any such warrant issued without that authority is invalid.
The chamber also formally distanced itself from Oshiomhole’s comments, stating that they do not reflect the official position of the Senate and reaffirming its commitment to fairness, neutrality, and the presumption of innocence in all investigations.
In its final resolution, the Senate declared the arrest warrant issued against Kyari null and void, directing committees to strictly comply with constitutional provisions and legislative procedures in future oversight functions.
The upper chamber further emphasized that its mandate is to ensure accountability and transparency—not to pre-judge or criminalize individuals or institutions under investigation.
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