Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has criticised the Nigerian Senate over reports that it apologised to former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, following efforts to summon him over allegations surrounding unaccounted funds running into trillions of naira.

Falana also called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward securing the immediate release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State, describing both developments as evidence of the growing challenges of accountability, governance and insecurity confronting the nation.

The prominent activist made the remarks on Friday while participating in the June 12 Democracy Day protest, where he joined other citizens in demanding greater transparency in public affairs, improved security, and better governance.

Addressing protesters, Falana expressed concern over recent controversies involving the management of the Nigerian oil sector and the inability of relevant authorities to provide satisfactory explanations regarding allegations of missing funds within the NNPCL.

According to him, the Senate had recently been thrown into confusion following questions surrounding the management of approximately N210 trillion allegedly linked to the operations of the national oil company.

Falana stated that the Senate committee investigating the matter had sought to invite former NNPCL boss Mele Kyari to provide explanations regarding the allegations.

“Yesterday, the Senate of the Federal Republic was in turmoil because the NNPCL has not been able to explain what happened to the sum of N210 trillion,” he said.

He further claimed that despite the Senate committee’s decision to summon the former NNPCL chief, the move was allegedly reversed after objections were raised regarding the committee’s authority to compel his appearance.

“The committee of the Senate had summoned the former Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr. Mele Kyari, to appear before lawmakers. However, it was later claimed that the committee lacked the authority to summon such a person, and the Senate reportedly apologised to him for the embarrassment,” Falana alleged.

The senior lawyer described the situation as troubling, especially given the public interest surrounding the management of national resources and the need for accountability from public officials.

He disclosed that his organisation had formally written to the Senate requesting access to the report that allegedly raised questions about the unexplained funds.

According to him, Nigerians deserve to know the details of the report and the basis upon which concerns regarding the huge financial figures were raised.

“On our own part, we have written to the Senate requesting a copy of the report in which it was stated that the sum of N210 trillion could not be properly accounted for,” he said.

Falana argued that transparency remains a cornerstone of democracy and insisted that institutions of government must be willing to provide answers whenever questions arise regarding public funds.

Beyond issues of financial accountability, Falana said the protest also sought to draw national attention to the worsening security situation across the country, particularly the increasing incidents of kidnappings and attacks on vulnerable communities.

He lamented the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State, calling on security agencies and government authorities to act swiftly to secure their freedom.

According to him, the suffering endured by the victims highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures and more decisive government intervention.

“This protest is equally about the growing insecurity in our country. We are calling on the government, as a matter of urgency, to ensure the rescue and release of the children who remain in captivity,” he stated.

Falana expressed deep concern over reports indicating that some of the abducted children are of very tender age and have spent several weeks in captivity under harsh conditions.

“Imagine that primary school pupils, some barely two or three years old, have been left at the mercy of their captors for weeks. Whether it is raining or the sun is shining, these innocent children continue to suffer without adequate food, medical care or protection,” he said.

He argued that the continued detention of the children should concern every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, religion or ethnicity.

According to him, the plight of the abducted victims symbolises the insecurity faced by many citizens across the country.

“For us as Nigerians, all of us are in one form of captivity or another when innocent children can be abducted and held for weeks without rescue. We therefore demand the immediate release of the children and their teachers,” Falana declared.

The human rights advocate also referenced reports suggesting that one of the abducted teachers had been killed by the kidnappers, allegedly as a means of increasing pressure on authorities to negotiate or respond more quickly.

He described the reported killing as tragic and unacceptable, stressing that government must take stronger action to protect citizens and prevent such incidents from recurring.

“As many of you are aware, reports indicate that a teacher was killed in an attempt to compel the authorities to act more swiftly toward securing the release of the remaining captives,” he said.

Falana concluded by commending Nigerians who participated in the Democracy Day protest, describing their presence as evidence of continued civic engagement and commitment to democratic ideals.

The June 12 demonstrations brought together activists, civil society groups and concerned citizens who used the occasion to highlight issues ranging from economic hardship and public accountability to insecurity and governance challenges.

Participants called on government institutions at all levels to uphold democratic principles, ensure transparency in public administration, tackle corruption and take urgent steps to address the growing insecurity affecting communities across the country.

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