The development follows Wednesday’s investigative session by the Senate Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Dankwabo, which is probing audit queries raised against the NNPCL in reports issued by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation between 2017 and 2023.
During the session, the committee resolved to issue a warrant of arrest against Kyari following his failure to appear before it.
Senator Oshiomhole, who is a member of the committee, also made remarks describing the NNPCL as a “bunch of criminals and thieves,” comments that immediately generated controversy.
However, less than 24 hours later, the Senate in plenary moved to disown both actions.
Relying on a motion raised under a point of order on urgent national importance, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele argued that the upper chamber must protect its institutional integrity and ensure that all oversight activities are conducted in line with constitutional provisions, parliamentary rules, due process, and the principles of natural justice.
According to Bamidele, while the Senate possesses extensive investigative powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, such powers must be exercised responsibly and without creating the impression of bias, prejudice, or predetermined conclusions.
He maintained that the purported warrant of arrest against Kyari was fraught with procedural irregularities and therefore could not stand.
Bamidele also faulted statements suggesting criminal culpability against individuals or institutions before the conclusion of investigations, warning that such comments could prejudice proceedings and undermine public confidence in the Senate’s oversight role.
He stressed that the Senate must always uphold the principles of fair hearing, parliamentary neutrality, and the rule of law in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
Several senators criticized Oshiomhole’s remarks, with Senator Aliero describing them as reckless, while Senator Kalu called on the former Edo State governor to withdraw the statement and apologise.
Responding to the criticisms, Oshiomhole mounted a robust defence of his actions, insisting that his comments were made under provocation during the committee hearing.
According to him, former NNPCL Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya, had made disparaging remarks against the Senate and its members, prompting his reaction.
The former labour leader maintained that he would always defend the integrity and dignity of the Senate whenever he believed it was under attack.
As some senators attempted to limit his explanation strictly to the statement attributed to him, others openly backed his right to explain the circumstances that led to his comment
Following deliberations, the Senate formally dissociated itself from Oshiomhole’s description of NNPCL and clarified that the remarks do not represent the official position, opinion, or determination of the Senate.
The chamber also declared null and void the warrant of arrest issued by the Public Accounts Committee against Mele Kyari on June 10, 2026.
The Senate further directed all committees and lawmakers to exercise restraint in making public comments on ongoing investigations and to avoid statements capable of prejudicing proceedings or creating the impression that conclusions have already been reached before the completion of due process.