…….Lawmakers clarify arrest powers, insist committees cannot issue warrants without approval of Senate President amid N210tn probe controversy
By Rejoice Peterside
The Senate on Thursday distanced itself from reports surrounding an alleged arrest warrant issued against the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, while also formally rebuking Senator Adams Oshiomhole over his description of the state-owned oil firm as “a bunch of criminals and thieves.”
The upper legislative chamber clarified that no Senate committee has the constitutional or statutory authority to issue or execute an arrest warrant independently, stressing that such powers must follow due process under the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and require the express approval of the Senate President.
The resolution followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, during plenary, in the wake of controversy generated by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts’ reported recommendation for Kyari’s arrest over alleged failure to honour invitations linked to the ongoing investigation into unaccounted funds estimated at N210 trillion.
Bamidele cautioned that any attempt by a committee to unilaterally authorise or execute such warrants would amount to an unlawful exercise of legislative power.
He emphasised that the authority to issue warrants affecting citizens’ liberty is “extraordinary” and must be exercised strictly within constitutional limits, adding that due process and fair hearing remain central to legislative oversight.
“The constitutional doctrine of fair hearing and the presumption of innocence require that no person or institution be adjudged guilty except by a court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.
Following deliberations, the Senate adopted a formal resolution dissociating itself from the alleged actions and comments, stating that they do not represent the official position, findings, or resolutions of the chamber.
Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, backed the clarification, insisting that committees are subordinate to the full Senate and can only make recommendations, not take enforcement actions.
He warned that legislative activities must always align with constitutional provisions and Senate rules to preserve institutional credibility.
Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno also supported the motion, describing it as a necessary corrective measure, while Senator Abba Moro urged lawmakers to exercise caution in public statements capable of damaging reputations or undermining public trust in the legislature.
Former Governor of Kebbi State and Senator, Adamu Aliero, strongly criticised Oshiomhole’s earlier remarks, describing them as reckless and potentially harmful to Nigeria’s investment climate. He argued that the NNPCL remains central to the country’s economy and must not be publicly disparaged by lawmakers.
However, Senator Oshiomhole defended his comments, insisting they were made in reaction to what he described as provocative remarks targeted at senators during oversight interactions with NNPCL officials.
He maintained that he did not intend to bring the Senate into disrepute, adding that he acted in defence of the institution and its members. Oshiomhole further stated that he was not the sponsor of any motion seeking an arrest warrant and questioned why he was singled out in the controversy.
The lawmaker also referenced earlier Senate deliberations on allegations contained in the Auditor-General’s report regarding an unaccounted N210 trillion, insisting that the committee acted within its oversight mandate in seeking explanations from NNPCL officials.
The session briefly became tense after a point of order was raised, prompting Senate President Godswill Akpabio to restore order and remind lawmakers that the matter under consideration was strictly limited to the alleged unparliamentary remarks and procedural concerns surrounding the reported warrant.
The development comes amid growing scrutiny of the NNPCL over allegations of financial irregularities, while Kyari, in a separate reaction, reportedly faulted the warrant claims and said he was outside the country receiving medical treatment.
The Senate has, however, maintained that all investigative actions must follow due process, warning against any conduct capable of undermining public confidence in parliamentary oversight.
