The Senate has distanced itself from a reported move by its Committee on Public Accounts to issue a warrant of arrest against former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, over allegations linked to an ongoing N210 trillion audit query.
The upper legislative chamber also strongly disowned comments made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who allegedly described the NNPCL as “a bunch of criminals and thieves,” stressing that the remarks did not reflect the official position of the Senate.
The resolution followed a motion moved during Thursday’s plenary by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Lawmakers clarified that no Senate committee has the authority to issue or execute arrest warrants independently, except in strict compliance with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and with express approval from the Senate President.
Bamidele warned that any committee action outside this framework could amount to an unlawful exercise of power, emphasizing that legislative oversight must respect due process and constitutional safeguards.
He further noted that the power to issue warrants affecting citizens’ liberty remains an extraordinary legal authority that must be exercised strictly in accordance with established procedures.
According to him, public statements attributed to committees risk being misconstrued as official Senate positions, potentially undermining confidence in ongoing oversight investigations.
The Senate subsequently adopted a resolution formally dissociating itself from the alleged remarks and reaffirming that they do not represent its findings, resolutions, or official stance.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin backed the motion, stressing that committees are subordinate to the Senate and can only make recommendations rather than exercise independent coercive powers.
Several senators also weighed in on the controversy, calling for restraint in public commentary and adherence to legislative decorum.
Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno described the intervention as necessary to preserve institutional credibility, while Senator Abba Moro urged lawmakers to avoid statements capable of damaging reputations.
Former Kebbi State Governor, Senator Adamu Aliero, warned that inflammatory remarks could harm Nigeria’s investment climate, describing the NNPCL as a critical national asset.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu also defended the corporation’s importance to the economy and called for more responsible communication from public officials.
Responding to the controversy, Senator Adams Oshiomhole defended his comments, saying they were made in reaction to alleged attacks on lawmakers by NNPCL officials. He added that he would apologise if the Senate deemed it necessary, insisting he acted in defence of the institution.
The dispute also revived discussion around the ongoing N210 trillion audit query linked to the NNPCL, with Oshiomhole alleging that former CEO Mele Kyari failed to honour committee invitations. Kyari, however, reportedly maintained that he is currently abroad receiving medical treatment, according to a letter cited in circulation.
The Senate President ultimately ruled that the matter under consideration was limited to the alleged unparliamentary remarks and procedural concerns surrounding the purported arrest warrant.
The chamber is expected to continue its oversight review of the NNPCL audit issues in subsequent sittings.
