Senate Orders Arrest of Ex-NNPCL Boss Mele Kyari Over Alleged ₦210 Trillion Scandal — Everything You Need to Know

Nigeria woke up on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to one of the most explosive political and financial stories of the year. The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has issued a warrant of arrest against Mele Kyari, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), over allegations involving a staggering ₦210 trillion in unaccounted funds spanning 2017 to 2023.  This is not just another political drama. This is a story about Nigeria's oil money — the lifeblood of the nation — and whether the people entrusted to manage it can be held accountable. Here is everything you need to know. WHO IS MELE KYARI? Mele Kyari served as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL from 2019 until he was replaced in 2024. Before that, he served in various senior capacities within the company going back years. During his tenure, NNPCL underwent a major transformation, most notably its conversion from the old Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to NNPC Limited under the Petroleum Industry Act. He was widely regarded as a technocrat and oil industry insider. Today, however, his name is at the centre of a parliamentary storm.   WHAT IS THE ₦210 TRILLION ALLEGATION? The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has been investigating 19 audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation concerning NNPCL's financial records between 2017 and 2023. Among the most alarming of those queries is an allegation that ₦210 trillion in company funds could not be properly accounted for during that period. To put that figure into perspective, Nigeria's entire federal budget for 2024 was approximately ₦28 trillion. The alleged unaccounted sum is nearly eight times that amount.  If the allegation were true, it would represent one of the most breathtaking financial irregularities in Nigerian — and arguably African — history.   The committee also raised questions about ₦5.8 billion reportedly spent on the rebranding and registration of NNPC Limited. WHY WAS KYARI ARRESTED — OR RATHER, WHY WAS AN ARREST ORDERED? According to lawmakers, this was not the first time Kyari was invited to appear before the committee. Wednesday, June 10, marked the ninth sitting of the committee on these 19 audit queries. Kyari failed to appear at the hearing, and senators say this was not the first time he had done so. Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra North, moved the formal motion for the arrest warrant.  Deputy Committee Chairman Peter Nwaebonyi backed it strongly, declaring: "Mr Chairman, the time to issue a warrant of arrest against Mele Kyari is now because the committee must conclude its assignment and report back to the Senate." Former Edo State Governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole also threw his weight behind the motion, arguing that the Senate must enforce compliance with its summons to maintain its authority and credibility.   Following a voice vote, Committee Chairma