The Senate Committee investigating alleged misappropriation of funds in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has cautioned social media users and influencers against spreading false information about its ongoing probe.
The warning was issued during a committee sitting on Wednesday, where lawmakers stressed the need for accurate reporting and responsible public discourse as the investigation continues.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Ahmad Wadada, gave the warning while presiding over the session attended by the former Chief Financial Officer of the NNPC, Umar Ajiya.
He said the committee’s assignment was strictly aimed at establishing facts and must not be misrepresented through unverified claims circulating online.
Wadada explained that the investigation covers financial activities from 2012 to date, noting that the timeline does not fully align with Ajiya’s tenure.
He added that the former CFO’s appearance was to provide clarification on specific financial records and transactions under review.
The committee commended Ajiya for honouring its invitation and cooperating with lawmakers. It said documents were presented to him during the session, while he was requested to provide detailed explanations to assist the panel’s understanding of the financial issues being examined.
Wadada reiterated that the committee had not accused any individual of theft or misappropriation of public funds, stressing that the exercise remained a fact-finding process. He urged the public to avoid drawing conclusions or assigning blame before the conclusion of the investigation.
The lawmakers also warned social media operators against circulating false information capable of misleading the public or undermining the integrity of the probe, noting that misinformation could erode trust in public institutions.
The committee further disclosed that it had issued formal invitations to other key officials yet to appear, including the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, and senior executive Bala Wunti. It warned that failure to honour its invitations could attract further legislative action as the investigation progresses.
