Think Yoruba First (TYF) has criticised the Senate leadership over its decision to void the arrest warrant issued against former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, describing the action as a setback to accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.

In a statement on Wednesday, signed by the general secretary of the group, Dr. Bukola Adeniji, the group said it was closely monitoring the controversy surrounding the Senate Committee on Public Accounts’ investigation into the financial records of the NNPCL and the subsequent cancellation of the warrant issued against Kyari.

According to Think Yoruba First, the Senate Committee on Public Accounts had on June 10 reportedly issued a warrant for Kyari’s arrest after alleged discrepancies were discovered in the NNPCL’s financial records covering the period between 2017 and 2023.

The group said the probe reportedly uncovered about ₦210 trillion in unaccounted funds, an amount it noted was more than three times Nigeria’s 2026 budget of ₦68.32 trillion. It added that the committee had directed the NNPCL to refund the amount to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and resolved to issue a warrant after Kyari allegedly failed to honour several invitations since the commencement of the investigation.

However, the Senate leadership reportedly declared the warrant null and void on June 11, effectively halting the committee’s enforcement action.

Reacting to the development, Think Yoruba First condemned the decision, arguing that it reflected a pattern in which politically influential individuals were protected from scrutiny.

The group said the move undermined public confidence in democratic institutions and reinforced perceptions that there were different standards of justice for ordinary citizens and politically connected individuals.

It also expressed concern over reports suggesting that the Senate’s intervention was aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s image and maintaining investor confidence.

According to the group, sustainable investor confidence is anchored on transparency, accountability and adherence to the rule of law rather than the suppression of investigations involving public funds.

“Rather than protecting Nigeria’s reputation, the Senate’s action risks further damaging the country’s global image because it reinforces long-standing concerns about corruption and the apparent unwillingness of public institutions to hold powerful individuals accountable,” the statement said.

Think Yoruba First described as disturbing the handling of allegations involving hundreds of trillions of naira at a time when Nigeria continued to rely on borrowing to finance budget deficits while millions of citizens faced economic hardship.

The group reiterated its support for the Senate Committee on Public Accounts in its pursuit of transparency and accountability and urged the Senate leadership to prioritise the interests of Nigerians over the protection of any individual.

It maintained that any action capable of frustrating the recovery of mismanaged or improperly accounted for public funds was inconsistent with the principles of good governance.

The group called on the Senate to reverse its position and allow due process to take its course, insisting that Kyari should appear before the appropriate authorities to answer questions arising from the investigation.

“Think Yoruba First stands firmly against any attempt to frustrate, weaken, or silence efforts aimed at ensuring accountability in the management of public resources. We therefore express our support for the Senate Committee on Public Accounts in its pursuit of transparency and accountability regarding the issues raised by its investigation.

“We wish to remind the Senate leadership that the institution exists to represent and protect the interests of the Nigerian people, not to shield any individual from legitimate scrutiny. Any action that impedes the recovery of mismanaged or improperly accounted for public funds is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of good governance.

“Nigerians continue to bear the consequences of economic mismanagement, fiscal indiscipline, and poor governance. They deserve answers. They deserve accountability. They deserve justice.

“We therefore call on the Senate to retrace its steps and allow due process to take its full course. Mr. Mele Kyari must appear before the appropriate authorities and provide answers to the questions being asked by Nigerians.”