The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has warned that it may issue an arrest warrant for the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Engr Bayo Ojulari, if he fails to appear before it on May 13, 2026, over unresolved audit queries amounting to ₦210 trillion.
The committee said the funds are linked to outstanding issues in the company’s audited financial reports covering 2017 to 2023.
During Wednesday’s sitting, the committee handed copies of the audit reports to the immediate past Chief Financial Officer of NNPCL, Umar Ajia, after he appeared and was sworn in to respond to questions.
Although former Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari and former Chief Upstream Investment Officer Bala Wunti were absent, lawmakers said both officials contacted the committee and indicated willingness to appear at a later date.
Committee Chairman, Senator Ahmad Wadada, said Kyari personally called to explain his absence, while Senator Abdul Ningi noted that Wunti had assured him he would appear at the next sitting.
Tension rose at the start of the session after the committee rejected a letter from current NNPCL boss Ojulari explaining his absence, describing it as unsatisfactory.
The letter, signed by Chief Relations Officer Morenike Adewumi, was dated the same day as the hearing, a move lawmakers criticised as disrespectful to the committee.
Wadada warned that failure to appear at the next sitting would result in enforcement action. “Ojulari must appear before this committee… failure which will lead to his being brought before us by force,” he said.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole also criticised the NNPCL leadership, describing the absence as “totally disrespectful” and unacceptable given the magnitude of the audit issues.
He further argued that accountability was essential, warning that institutions must respect legislative oversight.
The committee subsequently directed NNPCL officials to ensure Ojulari appears at the next hearing and instructed that copies of the audit reports be made available to Kyari and Wunti ahead of the session.
