Category: News

The last is yet to be heard of wide ranging ex-parte orders as this time around, the charade has moved to the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division. In the case of FBN Quest & Another vs. Nestoil & Others, the Court of Appeal’s ex parte orders are not only egregious but a chilling sign of judicial capture, smacking of dirty practices at best and corruption at worst.

On Thursday, 27th November 2025, at exactly 2:00pm, Justice Yargata Nimpar delivered a ‘ruling ’ that appeared like a thief in the night, a ghost and unscheduled, the said decision came upon a Motion Ex-parte which was not heard not argued in open court, yet it surfaced, fully written, signed, stamped, and delivered as though it had lived a full life on the Court of Appeal docket.

For many Nigerians, the judiciary has again weathered the storms. Veterans of the legal system describe this episode as “a daylight heist… a judicial armed robbery without guns.”

The controversies over wide ranging ex-parte applications, it would seem, has found its way to the Court of appeal, an intermediate court with limited original jurisdiction as donated to it by statute.

In this instance, barely two weeks ago, we reported the ex-parte orders against NESTOIL and the other defendants listed in the suit before the Federal High Court which led to the transfer of the suit to another judge.

The said interim orders were vacated by effluxion of time, being that ex-parte orders last for only 14 days.

The court however ordered parties to maintain status quo and adjourned the Motion on Notice for hearing by the consent of the parties. That Motion is still pending before the Federal High Court.

It would seem that in order to frustrate that pending Motion, the Plaintiffs somehow filed a similar application to the Court of Appeal which was granted an order ex-parte directing the Lower Court not to take any further steps, including determining the pending application filed by Plaintiffs (now Appellants).

This magically resurrected, fast-tracked application seem to have been rubber-stamped at the fictional “Appeal Bench of Shadows,” as insiders have begun calling it.

A CASE THAT NEVER EXISTED — YET RECEIVED A JUDGMENT

Our Judiciary correspondent gathered that when the court’s official list for the day was released, nothing seemed amiss. No controversial cases. No unexpected hearings.

But somewhere inside the dusty chambers of bureaucracy, a secret file was already being prepared and by 2pm, a judgment carrying the signatures of an entire appeal panel had surfaced — even though none of them had appeared in open court and when the case itself had never been argued before any High Court, making an appellate ruling legally impossible.

By evening, whispers had turned into rumblings. Court workers who handled the mysterious document reported unusual instructions: No public sitting; No mention on the court list; No access to case filings; No digital record and No audio recording of proceedings. Yet an order was made retrospectively to undo a completed act! which is yet another impossibility in law, because the exparte order cannot restore what has been already executed.

“It was like dealing with a ghost file,” one clerk said. “It appeared from nowhere and disappeared into official archives as though it had always existed.”

This judgment, once delivered, spread like wildfire, with legal scholars calling it “a constitutional impossibility.” Veterans said they had never seen anything similar since the 1970s.

Enquiries from our judiciary correspondents indicate that an application can only be hinged upon a valid Notice of Appeal against a decision of a lower court before any application can be entertained at the Court of Appeal.

Further Investigations by our judiciary correspondent reveals that no such Notice of Appeal has been filed nor served on the respondents; no parties have been invited to Settle Records and no Records of Appeal have been transmitted.

One wonders the platform or upon which grounds the ex-parte order was made, observed one senior lawyer, especially as a similar pending application filed by the Appellants has been adjourned for Hearing by the Federal High Court.

Furthermore, the case at the trial court before Justice Osiagor has not been heard on its merits, which documents was placed before the appellate court and all applications before the judge has not been heard or is the court of appeal now a trial court.

A JUDICIARY AT A CROSSROADS

Public outrage rose quickly. Lawyers described the situation as “a hijacking of justice by shadowy interests.” Civil society groups demanded explanations.

A Judiciary where justice can be manufactured behind closed doors…a legal system where influence not merit, decides outcomes…and an institution tested by the weight of powerful external forces, et cetera should not be allowed to thrive.

AN ERA-DEFINING SCANDAL

This judgement will stand as one of the most dramatic challenges ever faced by Nigeria’s justice system. The shockwaves has rippled far beyond the courtroom — touching politics, business, security agencies, and public trust.

One thing is clear: This is the kind of judicial earthquake that rewrites history, shakes institutions, and forces a nation to confront the truths it fears the most. Our judicial correspondences were able to get an incline of the ex-parte orders made by the Court of Appeal as follows:

1. AN ORDER of interim restorative injunction reversing all steps taken by the Respondents and/or persons purporting to act on the instructions of the Respondents and which steps or actions were taken pursuant to the order of the Federal High Court coram Osiagor, J made on the 20th day of November 2025 pending the hearing and determination of the Appellants’ Motion on Notice filed on the 26th day of November 2025.

2. AN ORDER of interim injunction restraining the Respondents, their agents, servants, affiliates, and privies from interfering with and interrupting the Receiver/Manager in the performance of his duties pending the hearing and determination of the Appellants’ Motion on Notice filed on 26th November 2025.
3. AN ORDER staying further proceedings at the lower court pending the hearing and determination of the Appellants’ Motion on Notice filed on the 26th November 2025.

A SHOCKING DEPARTURE FROM JUDICIAL NORMS

Therefore, the Lagos Court of Appeal’s decision to grant ex parte orders in FBN Quest & Another vs. Nestoil & Others stunned the legal community as ex-parte rulings are meant for rare emergencies and hardly exercised by appellate courts. By acting without hearing both sides, while the matter was already before the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal has undermined the principle of natural justice and distorted its own role.

NIGERIAN IMAGE AT RISK

At a time when Nigeria is striving to reposition its global reputation, this case sends the wrong message. It portrays the country as one where courts can be hijacked by private interests, where fairness is discarded, and where corruption lurks behind judicial robes. For investors and international partners, it reinforces damaging stereotypes of weak institutions and compromised justice.

AN URGENT CALL FOR INVESTIGATION

These orders are not just irregular — they are evidence of judicial capture. They must be investigated urgently. The Chief Justice of Nigeria, the National Judicial Council, the President of the Court of Appeal and the Nigerian Bar Association cannot remain silent. If appellate courts become arenas for ex-parte adventures, Nigeria’s justice system risks collapse under the weight of manipulation.

CLOSING NOTE

The Court of Appeal’s conduct in FBN Quest & Another vs. Nestoil & Others is more than a misstep, it is a warning sign of judicial capture. If Nigeria is serious about restoring its image and strengthening democracy, this case must be investigated, accountability enforced, and reforms implemented. Anything less would be an abdication of the judiciary’s sacred duty to uphold justice. We must not allow that to happen.
A very Senior lawyer emphasize that the exparte order of the court of appeal lagos division in Nestoil has the possibility of eroding administrative control of Heads of superior Court from assigning or re assigning matters within their respective courts. Furthermore both the President of the Court of Appeal and the Chief Justice of Nigeria may not have the authority to disband a panel and re- constitute another panel over any matter in their respective courts. This decision is a total anarchy to the judiciary and urgent steps must be taken to vacate the strange Court of appeal exparte order.

The conduct of the court of appeal justices is not excusable anywhere in the world and it’s indeed has brought the court of Appeal justices who constituted the panel to ridicule

Investigations by *Nigerian Concord Newspaper* reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.

According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.

Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.

Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.

Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.

*

The Chairman of First Bank, Mr. Femi Otedola is presently facing huge criticism over his alleged usual ways to use bank loans to take over businesses of other people.

This is coming just as perceived hidden interests of a prominent lawyer, Mr. Koku whose dual roles in the Nestoil and FBNQuest case, which now threatens the integrity of the Nigeria Oil sector, have been unmasked by this newspaper.

During an exclusive investigation by Our correspondent over the alleged conflict of interest and potential
Regulatory capture of the NUPRC, in Nestoil and Neconde’s Legal
Battle with FBN Quest and First Trustees, it was gathered that in the corridors of Nigeria’s petroleum industry, a storm that could reshape perceptions of justice, transparency, and regulatory independence at the apex of the upstream sector is brewing.

Through months of document review and interviews with industry insiders,
told Our correspondent in its investigation uncovered troubling evidence that a top legal practitioner is at the heart of a clash between public interest and private gain, raising fresh questions about conflicts of interest and the spectre of regulatory capture.

Findings showed that the wrangle between Neconde Energy Limited, Nestoil Limited, and a consortium of financial institutions represented by FBN Quest Merchant Bank Limited and
First Trustees Limited, resembles a typical high-value debt dispute but, dig deeper and a more intricate web emerged.

This investigation revealed that Babajide Koku SAN, a personal lawyer to Mr. Femi Otedola, the chairman of First Bank, has simultaneously served as legal counsel for both the FBN Parties and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in lawsuits
that could determine the fate of critical national oil assets.

This dual representation, spanning Suit No: FHC/L/CS/2127/2025 in Lagos and Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2369/2025 in Abuja, goes far beyond a mere procedural oversight as legal documents obtained by this newspaper confirmed that Koku’s name appears on court filings for
multiple parties with directly competing interests, fuelling allegations that regulatory impartiality may be at risk.

According to legal experts who spoke with Our correspondent, the implications echo far beyond the courtroom—potentially shaking the very foundations of the sector’s governance

Meanwhile, our investigation reconstructed the timeline of this controversy, beginning on 20 October
2025, when FBN Parties, represented by Koku, SAN, sued Nestoil and Neconde over an alleged $1billion debt. But even before the gavel fell, FBN Trustees had petitioned the NUPRC on 9 September 2025, seeking consent to register a second charge over Oil Mining Lease (OML) 42, an asset in which Neconde holds a substantial stake.

It was also gathered that the NUPRC signalled its readiness
to approve the charge, prompting Neconde, wary of a hostile takeover, to launch its own legal offensive on 6 November 2025.

“When the NUPRC responded to Neconde’s lawsuit, challenging the validity of the very consent it had given, it too appeared in court represented by Koku” a document at the disposal of this newspaper stated..

Meanwhile, multiple sources confirmed to Our correspondent that Koku, SAN was present for both the FBN Parties and the regulator, a move that has left industry players and legal watchdogs questioning whether the independence of
Nigeria’s upstream regulator may have been fatally compromised.

Experts that were interviewed by Our correspondent warned that such brazen dual representation is more than a
technical breach of legal ethics, it is a flashing red light for regulatory capture, where public agencies risk being co-opted by the very entities they are meant to police.

One concerned stakeholder who spoke under the condition of anonymity described this as “akin to letting the fox guard the henhouse”, noting that the
same lawyer advancing private creditors’ interests is now shaping the regulator’s legal defence.

“The stakes are monumental: should NUPRC’s consent to FBN Trustees be upheld, it could set a perilous precedent, enabling further encroachment by powerful financiers at the expense of due process and fair regulatory oversight” he added.

Also, critics alleged that Koku’s close
affiliations with major stakeholders in the FBN entities call into question the motives behind the legal manoeuvring, stoking speculation about a well-orchestrated asset grab under the
veneer of judicial process.

Another expert told this newspaper state that lawyers must not act for conflicting interests without full, informed consent. He queried: “Assuming that all necessary disclosures have been made, is it appropriate for the NUPRC to appoint legal representatives who are currently acting on behalf of an interested party in the dispute.

“Furthermore, is it advisable for FBN Trustees to permit its retained counsel to also represent the NUPRC in litigation where FBN Trustees has a financial interest in the outcome”

Senior Nigeria legal analysts who offered to grant interviews on this issue cautioned that Koku’s actions could trigger motions for disqualification and expose both NUPRC and the FBN Parties to damaging reputational
fallout.

Meanwhile, some of the legal experts have called for an urgent review of how regulators appoint external counsel,
warning that public trust in Nigeria’s oil industry hangs in the balance.

One of them added that: “For Koku, the risks are professional as well as reputational, with the possibility of regulatory scrutiny or even sanctions if formal complaints are lodged, particularly where formal disclosures were not made and subsequent consent of the NUPRC obtained.

“For NUPRC, the crisis raises uncomfortable questions about its commitment to unbiased oversight and
whether it can withstand the corrosive influence of well-connected private interests”

Speaking on investor confidence which they said is already on the Line, legal experts noted that the fallout is already being felt beyond the courtroom.

However, Oil Industry veterans who spoke with Our correspondent noted that
uncertainty and perceptions of impropriety could scare off much-needed investment from
an already fragile upstream sector.

“Without transparency and clear ethical boundaries, you can’t have a credible investment climate,” one executive told Our correspondent, calling for sweeping reforms and tougher frameworks to safeguard regulatory processes from undue interference.

Legal experts are urging the government to overhaul consent procedures and demand full transparency in all dealings between regulators and their outside advisers.

Our correspondent gathered further that as the lawsuits wind their way through Nigeria’s federal courts, the spotlight remains fixed on Babajide Koku SAN, the NUPRC, and the banks pulling the strings behind the scenes.

It was also gathered that the case has become a litmus test for transparency, legal ethics, and the resilience of Nigeria’s regulatory institutions, and the final outcome may not only decide who controls a lucrative oil
lease but could also set a lasting benchmark for the country’s commitment to fairness and
the rule of law.

“In a sector too often shrouded in secrecy, only genuine accountability and unwavering ethical standards can restore faith in those entrusted with Nigeria’s most precious resources” another industry expert noted.

In a related development, Chairman of First Bank Holding, Mr. Femi Otedola has been accused of taking over businesses of First bank customers under the guise of debt default with the help of some corrupt judges.

According to finding, Otedola, as a result of his greed and love for other people’s business and properties would hide under the guise of giving loans to business owners to develop their businesses, inflate the loans, hide their loan documents and use the court to take over such businesses.

Apart from Nestoil/Neconde which would have been his latest victim if not for the vigilance of the legal team of Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, the chairman of First Bank had used the FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited to fraudulently hijack several firms from their original owners.

However, officials of Neconde have lamented that for over three years, First bank has refused to release bank statements to the company.

The company alleged in several reports that First Bank has refused to provide bank statements, reconciliation documents, or loan records Nestoil which they need to use to verify whether any debt actually exists.

There are instances of Sahara Group and General Hydrocarbon which Otedola wickedly and cunningly used the loans which his bank gave to those two companies to hijack their lucrative businesses with the help of some corrupt judges.

Our correspondent’s independent investigation showed that Mr. Femi Otedola had earlier this year approached Neconde requesting to buy some 16 percent stake in the juicy Oml42 oil block.

For fears of what he has done to Sahara Group and General Hydrocarbon in the past, Otedola’s request was bluntly rejected by Neconde, and this led to First bank to drag Nestoil and Neconde in aggressive move to take over OML 42, citing an alleged $1billion dollar unverified debt.

“How can we owe what we cannot see?”
We cannot verify any debt because First Bank will not release the very documents that would confirm or disprove their claim.” one of the officials of Nestoil told this newspaper, insisting that without those statements, the bank’s attempts to enforce debt recovery actions amount to economic ambush and economic gangsterism.

Meanwhile, an expert in the Nigerian Petroleum business told Our correspondent that: “At the centre of the conflict is OML 42—one of the most promising onshore blocks in the Niger Delta Basin. Industry analysts estimate that the licence could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue over its lifespan. At present OML42 accounts for approximately 5% of Nigeria’s crude oil production.

“There are claims that the subsidiaries of First Bank Holding under the Chairmanship of Mr Femi Otedola has shown “unusual, excessive interest” in taking over the OML42 through court orders, ex parte motions, and aggressive debt-recovery procedures that the company says lack documentary justification.

“It has become clear that the bank’s objective is not repayment—it is acquisition,”

Also, a legal expert who spoke with Our correspondent during our investigation said that the refusal of First bank to release bank statements, if true, raises serious questions about transparency and the integrity of the bank’s claims, saying that a creditor refusing to provide account statements is highly irregular.

He added that any enforcement action without documentary clarity could be challenged as predatory or abusive.

The purported publication that Nestoil and Neconde are under Receivership is blatantly false and an attempt to prejudice on going pending suit between First Bank Trustees and FBNQuest Merchant against Nestoil and others.

It is pertinent to note that an ex-parte application by plaintiffs for judicial recognition of their purported Receiver manager was refused. Further more all issues requesting Judicial recognition in the substantive suit by the plaintiffs on behalf of the secondary lender Banks led by First Bank are still pending for hearing at the Federal High Court Ikoyi Lagos.

Consequently any publication that Nestoil and Neconde are under Receivership is totally false ,prejucial and contempt of court.

An inchoate Receiver Manager appointment with out recognition by the court as in this case has no powers to seize the defendants assets including freezing of its accounts and that of its Directors.

The plaintiffs and its purported Receiver manager can not blow hot and cold at the same time.Nigeria law forbids self help.

The plaintiffs having gone to court,they should as lawful citizens await final determination of their suits for judicial recognition of the Receiver ship amongst other reliefs.

** Plot to Seize OML 42 Oil Mining License under false and deceptive debt claims

** Uses First Bank subsidiaries

Neconde Energy Ltd and Nestoil Group has accused First Bank subsidiaries of orchestrating fraudulent and aggressive attempts to seize Neconde’s prized Oil Mining Licence (OML 42), under what the companies calls a “manufactured and unsubstantiated debt claim.”

It is nevertheless not in dispute that for over three(3) years, First Bank Quest has refused to release bank statements to Neconde Energy Ltd and Nestoil Group despite all their requests and attempts to obtain loan and bank statements from FBN Quest and till date the status of any alleged indebtedness has not been determined due to that failure. It is therefore uncertain if any debts exist at all due to the failure to issue statements to verify these claims.

In recent times, financial watchers have accused First Bank of engaging in multiple high stakes financial gangsterism, aimed at taking over lucrative businesses of First Bank customers under the guise of “debt default”. Industry watchers warn that this very dangerous trend that can eventually sink a bank that has been existing for decades.

Even more troubling is the alleged personal involvement of the Chairman of the Firstbank Holdco, Mr Femi Otedola in these aggressive economic bullying drawing comparison from the hostility in Sahara Group case, to General Hydrocarbon to most recently Neconde and Nestoil.

Word on the street has it that Mr Otedola had earlier this year approached Neconde requesting to buy some 16 percent stake in the juicy OML42 Oil Block, a request which was said to have been bluntly rejected by Neconde. It is therefore hardly coincidental that only months later, First Bank pounced on Nestoil and Neconde in an aggressive move to take over OML 42, citing an alleged $1billion dollar unverified debt.

A Dispute Fuelled by Secrecy
According to our sources in Nestoil,
“How can we owe what we cannot see?” one senior Nestoil official asked.
“We cannot verify any debt because First Bank will not release the very documents that would confirm or disprove their claim.”

Nestoil insists that without those statements, the bank’s attempts to enforce debt recovery actions amount to economic ambush and economic gangsterism.

The Contested Licence

At the center of the conflict is OML 42—one of the most promising onshore blocks in the Niger Delta Basin. Industry analysts estimate that the license could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue over its lifespan. At present OML42 accounts for approximately 5% of Nigeria’s crude oil production.

There are claims that the subsidiaries of First Bank Holdco under the Chairmanship of Mr Femi Otedola has shown “unusual, excessive interest” in taking over the OML42 through court orders, ex parte motions, and aggressive debt-recovery procedures that the company says lack documentary justification.

“It has become clear that the bank’s objective is not repayment—it is acquisition,” a senior financial expert states.

Legal Manoeuvres and Alleged Overreach

Legal experts interviewed for this story say the refusal of First Bank to release bank statements, if true, raises serious questions about transparency and the integrity of the bank’s claims.

One financial law analyst noted:

“A creditor refusing to provide account statements is highly irregular. Any enforcement action without documentary clarity could be challenged as predatory or abusive.”

Nestoil and Neconde Vows to Resist “Corporate Bullying”

The Company says it intends to escalate the matter to regulatory bodies, accusing First Bank of:

Withholding essential financial documents;

Misrepresenting loan obligations;

Attempting to take over strategic national assets through deception and;

Engaging in “bad faith banking practices”.

The companies has also hinted at pursuing damages for reputational harm and economic loss.

Uncertain Road Ahead

As the battle intensifies, industry observers warn that the dispute could unsettle local and international investor confidence in the already fragile upstream sector.

For now, NestoilGroup and Neconde Energy says it will continue to fight what it calls a “calculated attempt to strip us of our assets using fictitious debt claims and procedural intimidation. No amount of malicious court cases will deter us”.

Whether First Bank can substantiate its alleged debt claim—or whether the controversy exposes a deeper pattern of aggressive asset acquisition tactics—remains to be seen.

In the plaintiffs Originating Summons Suit No.FHC/L/CP/1439/2025 they avail that “Whether the 2nd Plaintiff’s exercise of the power vested in it by virtue of the
Security Sharing Deed,Deed of Charge dated 8h December 2022 and Deeds of
All Assets Debenture dated 27h August 2007,28th March 2005(and the
Supplemental Documents)and its appointment of the Receiver/Manager over OML 42 JV and other crystallised charges and assets of the 18 and 2nd
Defendants due to the Events of Default,entitles the Receiver/Manager so-
appointed to exercise all the rights and duties as enshrined in the Deed of
Charge and All Assets Debenture for the full realisation of the outstanding
indebtedness of US$1,012,608,386.91(One Billion Twelve Million Six Hundred and Eight Thousand Three Hundred and Eighty-Six United Stated Dollars Nine One Cents)and NGN430,014,064,380.77(Four Hundred and Thirty Billion Fourteen Million Sixty-Four Thousand Three Hundred and Eighty Naira Seven-Seven kobo)owed to the Lenders as at 30h September, 2025 and any interest accrued until final liquidation.

5.Whether by virtue of Clause 3.3 of the Neconde Deed of Charge,the Plaintiffs
on behalf of Lenders can take over the 45%interest of the 2nd Defendant to
recover the outstanding indebtedness of US$1,012,608,386.91(One Billion
Twelve Million Six Hundred and Eight Thousand Three Hundred and Eighty-
Six United Stated Dollars Nine One Cents)and NGN430,014,064,380.77 (Four
Hundred and Thirty Billion Fourteen Million Sixty-Four Thousand Three
Hundred and Eighty Naira Seven-Seven kobo)from the OML 42 JV
Activities/Contracts.

6.Whether having regard to the personal guarantees given by the 3d and 4th
Defendants to the Lenders,the 3d and 4h Defendants are personally liable to
repay the loan facilities issued by the Lenders to the 1st Defendant to the tune
ef the amcunt pciscnal!;;guaranteed.

7.Whether the Lenders being unsatisfied creditors and the 2nd Plaintiff are
entitled to an ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the 1-4h
Defendants(as obligors)whether by themselves,servants,or agents from
operating and/or dealing with any interest in the charged assets,movable or
immovable,until the sum of US$1,012,608,386.91(One Billion Twelve Million Six Hundred and Eight Thousand Three Hundred and Eighty-Six United
Stated Dollars Nine One Cents)and NGN430,014,064,380.77 (Four Hundred
and Thirty Billion Fourteen Million Sixty-Four Thousand Three Hundred
and Eighty Naira Seven-Seven kobo)being outstanding balance.

With these pending issues waiting for the determination of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, alleging that Nestoil is on the receivership is a hoax.

Furthermore, the plaintiffs prayer for the court to give judicial recognition of the purported Receiver Manager was refused by Justice Dipeolu, before the case was transfered to another judge for hearing and its determination.

Nigerian Equity and Justice Movement has accused the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Moshood Jimoh of compromise in the case of Nestoil where a Receiver Manager was erroneously appointed by Justice Isaac Dipeolu who is the former judge handling the case.

According to the group in a press statement sent to Our correspondent on Friday, there are established facts that both the Commissioner of Police and the Receiver Manager, Mr. Sulu Gambari are relatives.

The group said that instead of the Commissioner of Police to enforce the new Order by Justice Daniel Osiagor, he has sent more police officers to further seal the premises.

Meanwhile, the advocacy group has called on Mrs Yetunde Cardoso, the O/C of the Legal Department of the Lagos State Police Command to stop plans by the commissioner of police to bring the image of the Nigerian Police Force into disrepute.

Also, the Receiver Manager has been granting interviews to say that the new Order by Justice Daniel Osiagor is a charade and would not bind on him despite that the case is starting de novo.

This is happening just as the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos State, Mr. Longs Longwa, Esq, has written the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr. Moshood Jimoh to enforce the order of the court which vacated all the ex parte Orders granted in the case of Nestoil by Justice Isaac Deinde Dipeolu on October 22, 2025.

Recall that following public outcries by advocacy groups, the case was transfered from Justice Dipeolu and reassigned to Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court Ikoyi Lagos State.

During the first hearing, and on the appeal of Chief Wole Olanipekun , SAN who led some Senior Advocates to the court yesterday, Justice Daniel Osiagor vacated all the Orders since the case is staring de novo.

However, Counsels to Nestoil served the court order on the Police and the DSS operatives at the business premises which was sealed last month following Justice Dipeolu’s Order, and the men of the DSS immediately complied with the Order and vacated the premises.

Investigation by Our correspondent showed that till now, the police officers at the premises have refused to obey the court order as a result of the arrangement between them and Mr. Sulu Gambari, the Receiver Manager which was appointed by Justice Dipeolu.

But yesterday, the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court wrote an official letter to the Lagos State Police Commissioner, asking him to assist in enforcing the Court Order.

A copy of the letter which was received by the Office of the Lagos State Police Commissioner yesterday , November 20, 2025 reads: “This is to forward the Order of this Honourable Court dated 20th day of November, 2025, made by Honourable Justice D.E. Osiagor for your necessary attention and action please”.

Last night, the National Justice and Equity Movement called on the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Moshood Jimoh to order his men to immediately vacate the premises of Nestoil Limited as a result of the vacation of Justice Isaac Dipeolu’s ex parte Orders by the new judge that has been assigned to preside over the case, Justice Daniel Osiagor.

The advocacy group in a press statement issued last night by its Director of Press, Mr. Larry Olembe said that the men of the Police are refusing to vacate the business premises despite that they have been served a True Certified Copy of the ruling which was pronounced by Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos State.

However, the group commended operatives of the Department of States Security, DSS for obeying the Order and vacated the premises immediately they were served a copy of the ruling by Osiagor.

The advocacy group however stressed that there were reports that the police officers at the premises were acting on the instructions from the Receiver Manager which Justice Dipeolu had appointed for Nestoil two weeks ago, Abubakar Sulu Gambari .

“It was gathered that Mr. Sulu Gambari met with a top police officer in Lagos State immediately Justice Daniel Osiagor pronounced his decision on the case yesterday (name withheld) and handed over a sum of N10million to him for the police officers allocated to seal the premises to reject the court order and remain on the premises.

The group said that the presence of the police at the premises despite that they have been served the court order to vacate is constituting nuisance in the area.

“Recall that immediately the new judge vacated the ex parte Orders of Justice Isaac Deinde Dipeolu this afternoon, the Receiver Manager, Mr. Sulu Gambari issued a statement where he tried to brainwash the public with a false narrative by saying that the assets of the company continue to remain in receivership.

“We are calling the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr. Moshood Jimoh to respect the court order and immediately order his men to vacate the Nestoil business premises since they have been served a copy of the judgement.

“We are also calling on the Police Commissioner to also investigate the N10m which Sulu Gambari gave to the police officers mounted at the business premises and also force them to explain what the funds were meant for. If they deny, we will do the public a favour by releasing details of the bribery to the media” the group said..

On October 22, a federal high court in Lagos issued an order of Mareva authorising First Trustees and its subsidiary, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, to take over Nestoil’s assets.

Consequently, police and men of the DSS sealed off the company’s corporate headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, after a consortium of lenders placed Nestoil under receivership over a reported $1 billion debt.

But after a petition from the Counsel of Nestoil Limited, the case was transfered from Justice Dipeolu and reassigned to Justice Daniel Osiagor who today set aside the ex-parte orders which were granted on October 22 after listening to Chief Wole Olanipekun who led other Senior Advocatye to the hearing.

In a turn of events in the case of Nestoil, FBNQuest merchant bank limited and Nestoil limited, Neconde energy limited, Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, Nnena Obiejesi/Glencoe energy UK limited, Fidelity bank plc, Mauritius Commercial Bank limited and Africa finance corporation, a Federal High Court Judge sitting in Kogi, Lagos State, Justice Daniel Osiagor has vacated all previous Orders on the receivership on Nestoil.

Recall that after several public outcries which followed the ex parte Orders granted by the embattled Judge Isaac Deinde Dipeolu on the matter, the case was transfered to Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

After listening to the submission of the lead Counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Justice Daniel Osiagor said that all that Orders that had earlier been granted by Justice Isaac Dipeolu are null and void since the matter is starting de novo.

When the matter was mentioned before Osiagor today, Olanipekun leading a team of lawyers including senior advocates for the defendants urged the court to vacate all the orders since the case is starting de novo.

He added that the ex parte order of Justice Dipeolu placing the nestoil and neconde on receivership lapsed by effluxition of time having expired after 14 days.

According to the new judge who consequently vacated the receivership placed on nestoil and neconde, all parties in the matter shall be heard on merit.

Nestoil oil and neconde amongst other claims is accusing the banks of unlawful debits and penalties on its loan accounts. Also refusing the nestoil statement of accounts for over three years in spite of repeated demands.

Meanwhile, Nestoil shall demand the court to order for forensic of its affairs with lenders banks to be conducted independently by CBN customer protection unit now that the case will be heard on merit by Justice Daniel Osiagor who is known for upholding the rule of law in all his previous judgements.

Recall that Justice Dipeolu recently faced criticism and media backlashes over his controversial Order in the case involving Nestoil, FBNQuest merchant bank limited and Nestoil limited, Neconde energy limited, Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, Nnena Obiejesi/Glencoe energy UK limited, Fidelity bank plc, Mauritius Commercial Bank limited and Africa finance corporation.

Dipeolu who was tagged a corrupt judge last week by activists both in and outside Lagos State recently granted a controversial ex parte order in the Nestoil case which have now been vacates by Justice Daniel Osiagor who is starting the case de novo.

Our correspondent however reported that Justice Dipeolu was neither practical nor straightforward in the Order as he was accused of introducing unnecessary complications in the matter.

One of the pressure groups that condemned Dipeolu’s action was the Nigerian Equity and Justice Movement which said that the judge had erred and displayed judicial rascality especially when he granted an ex parte Order to appoint a receiver/manager over Neconde’s interest in OML 42.

According to Nigeria Equity and Justice Movement which condemned Dipeolu in the statement, the judge’s Order was the height of judicial impunity because it was made by a court without hearing the story of the person or persons against whom the order is made.

Saying that Dipeolu has undermined public confidence in him as a judge of the Federal High Court, the group noted that the ex parte Order is supposed to be made only in cases of exceptional urgency where the subject matter of the suit will likely be destroyed or dissipated irretrievably if the order was not made
immediately.

Recall the mind-boggling scandal which surfaced again over the controversial orders of Justice Dehinde Dipeolu in Suit No FHC/L/CS/2127/2025 on the ongoing legal battles between Nestoil and FBNQUEST MERCHANT BANK LIMITED with First Charge Holders (Senior Lenders) namely: Glencore Energy UK Limited, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mauritius Commercial Bank and African Finance Corporation seeking to join the Suit pending before the Federal High Court, Lagos and to set aside the Ex-parte orders of October 25th, 2025.

According to documents available to this newspaper, the First Charge Holders claim that the said Ex-parte Order was obtained by misrepresentation by the Plaintiff in the said Suit, and that the orders unlawfully restrict the First Charge Holders’ ability to access or manage their financial interest to the Defendants especially the 2nd Defendant (Neconde Energy Limited). Consequently, the said Senior Lenders on the 6th of November, 2025 sought to be joined in the suit as parties affected by the Order granted by Hon. Justice Dehinde Dipeolu in the Suit No. FHC/L/CS/2127/2025.

In a 335 page document presented before the Honourable Court by the said Senior Lenders to vacate the Order, the Senior Lenders prayed that it affected their interest and it was obtained unlawfully and by suppression of facts.

The aforementioned First Charge Lenders/Parties seeking to be joined filed a 55-paragraph Affidavit to support their application, accused the Plaintiffs who obtained the Ex-parte orders in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/2127/2025, appointing a Receiver/ Manager over the assets of the Defendants because they acted unlawfully and obtained the said Order by misrepresentation.

According to the documents available to Our correspondent, they specifically sought the vacation of Mr. Abubakar Sulu-Gambari as Receiver/Manager appointed by the Plaintiff.

The affidavit evidence accompanying the Application by the Senior Lenders (First Charge Holders) reveal that Nestoil lenders requested that 2nd Defendant (Neconde’s) interest in OML 42 should be provided as additional collateral for the repayment of the Nestoil loans; but Neconde (the 2nd Defendant in the Plaintiff’s Suit) had already used its interest in OML 42 as a collateral to secure the loans it obtained from the parties seeking to be joined.

The document reads in parts: “The aforesaid Neconde Lenders seeking to be joined created a first charge over the assets of Neconde including Neconde’s interest in OML 42. But the Neconde lenders refused to permit creation of a secondary charge or any charge on the assets of Neconde including its interest in OML 42 in favour of the lender represented by the Plaintiff.

“These were facts known to the Plaintiffs and even presented to Hon. Justice Dipeolu in all the processes filed by the Plaintiff on behalf of Nestoil Lenders. The big question is: On which basis did Hon. Justice Dipeolu grant the overreaching Orders empowering the Plaintiffs to appoint a Receiver Manager when the Hon. Justice himself declined to give judicial recognition of the appointment of the Receiver Manager by the Plaintiffs as contained in prayer 3 of the Motion Ex-parte?

“Another big question is on which basis did Justice Dipeolu grant the following Order and other similar Orders?
“That an order is hereby made granting leave to the Receiver/Manager to take over the 2nd Defendant’s (Neconde) office situate at 41/42 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos; any other asset of the 2nd Defendant wherever it may be found within the jurisdiction of this Court; and/or the 2nd Defendant’s interest in OML 42 JV by virtue of the Deed of Appointment dated 21st of August, 2025, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.”

It was also gathered that apart from Common Terms Agreement exhibited by the Plaintiffs in the Motion Ex-parte, the Plaintiffs did not exhibit any debenture on the assets of the 2nd Defendant. “Therefore, on what basis did the trial Judge make Orders against the 2nd Defendant, 3rd and 4th Defendants? the applicants queries in the documented..

“The Plaintiffs exhibited Common Term Agreement to their Motion Ex-parte but upon a perusal of the same Common Term Agreement, the assets of the 2nd Defendant were excluded because they were covered by First Charge Holders who never gave any consent to the Plaintiff Lenders to create any charge on the assets of the 2nd Defendant. With these documents before Hon. Justice Dehinde Dipeolu but how did the said Judge make far-reaching Orders against the 2nd Defendant whose assets were not part of the assets secured by the Plaintiffs Lenders?

The documents also read: “Having declined to accord judicial recognition of the appointment of the Plaintiffs’ Receiver/Manager as contained in Prayer 3 of the Plaintiff’s Motion Ex-parte, which other instrument (debenture or charge) did the Hon. Justice have before him to make the far-reaching orders involving the Police, Navy and DSS to assist the Receiver Manager and also directing the Receiver/Manager to proceed to sell crude oil, 2nd Defendant’s assets and interests in OML 42 JV?

“Why did he grant the Ex-parte Orders when the reliefs sought in the Motion Ex-parte, Motion on Notice and the Originating Summons are the same? Has Justice Dideolu not read the judicial authorities on this matter?

Meanwhile, a perusal of the Plaintiffs’ Affidavit seeking to obtain the Ex-parte Order, confirms that the debt relationship between the Netstoil and the Plaintiff’s Lenders have a long history of transaction (debt and repayment). “So why the urgency? the applicants queries further.

“Certainly, with the unfolding facts, these are matters that might be presented to the National Judicial Council to scrutinize judicial officers like Hon. Justice Dehinde Dipeolu who has refused to comply with the directives and warnings of the Chief Justice of Nigeria to Judges to exercise caution in granting far reaching Ex Parte Orders in contentious matters like these, as well as the settled position of judicial authorities in matters like this, which are replete.

“For instance, in the Supreme Court decision in ECOBANK NIGERIA LIMITED vs. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILLS PLC (2018) LPELR -45124(SC) where the Supreme Court held that the Ex Parte Asset Freezing Order obtained by Ecobank was wrongly granted, an abuse of Court Process and a clear breach of extant Laws and a deprivation of the right of fair hearing of the Respondent. The ECOBANK case is a significant reference point in Nigeria Commercial Law on the proper procedure for obtaining injunctions and the limits of judicial discretion in granting Ex Parte Orders.

“In the case of Sotuminu v. OCEAN STEAMSHIP NIG LTD & Ors (1992) 5 NWLR (Pt. 239)1, the Supreme Court of ruled that a Mareva injunction should not be granted or maintained if it prevents a Defendant from meeting their ordinary living expenses or their normal course of business or trade as it is a protective measure and not a punitive one designed to oppress the defendant or destroy their livelihood before a judgment has been reached and that the Applicant must show proof that there is a risk of the Defendant taking flight or dissipating the Assets, subject matter of the proceedings, otherwise a Mareva Injunction should not be granted.

“In spite of all these notable guidelines and principles, Justice Dipeolu granted a far reaching Order which appears deliberately aimed at destroying the business and livelihood of the Defendants as he restricted even the Personal Bank Accounts of the Directors of Nestoil traced through their Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), even when the veil of incorporation is not yet lifted, and also empowered the Plaintiffs to take over the Management of Assets and resources linked to Nestoil which are not even covered by the Debenture relied upon by the Plaintiffs. There was also no proof that the Defendants were in any way liable to dissipate the Assets before Judgment is reached in the case. The said grant of the far-reaching Ex Parte Orders by Justice Dipeolu clearly indicates the personal interest of the Judge in the matter as he has fettered his discretions to doing the bidding of the Plaintiffs by recklessly abusing his Office, to the extent of Ordering the DSS and the Navy to execute the Orders he granted in the favour of the Plaintiffs in a Civil Case contrary to the provisions of the Sheriffs and Civil Processes Act.

“Justice Dipeolu is a Judge of the Federal High Court under the Administrative authority of The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. There is a common presumption that all judges of the Federal High Court are subject to the administrative direction of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and an administrative action by the Chief Judge to inquire into a Complaint of alleged recklessness and abuse of office by a Judge of the Federal High Court cannot be imagined or seen as the Chief Judge mounting pressure or fishing for a friendly Judge.

“It thus appears that the said allegation of mounting of Pressure made against the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court is an attempt by those whose bidding Justice Dipeolu is executing, to blackmail the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court from inquiring into the Petitions of recklessness and abuse of Office leveled against Justice Dipeolu”the document reads further..

Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) and the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) have sounded the alarm on attempts to sabotage the Dangote Refinery by individuals and entities who are hell-bent on dragging Nigeria back into the dark ages of fuel importation,and artificial scarcity.

At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, National Presidents of BAVCCA and COCSON, Ikechukwu Chukwunyere and Husseini Abubakar, respectively, revealed that the Nigeria’s flagship oil refinery has achieved full energy independence, while condemning the suspension of the 15% import duty on petroleum products, calling it a deliberate attempt to undermine local refining capacity and protect the interests of fuel importers.

The groups described recent claims by Festus Osifo, President of PENGASSAN, suggesting that Dangote refinery’s output meets only about 40% of national needs as misleading and absolute falsehood, while stating that the refinery as This is simply not true. As of November 2025, the Dangote Refinery’s production is at 100% or more of Nigeria’s requirements, rendering such assertions outdated and inaccurate. We urge all parties, including labor unions, to align with facts and support this achievement rather than undermine it for narrow agendas.

The organizations further issued those they described as saboteurs a seven-day ultimatum to cease their activities, threatening a naming and shaming campaign if they fail to comply, while calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene by banning fuel importation, and set up a task force to investigate economic saboteurs.

BAVCCA and COCSON vowed to defend the Dangote Refinery as a national asset against any attempts to undermine it, while revealing
the refinery’s achievement is a significant milestone for Nigeria, as it is saving the country $1 billion in demurrage annually.
Additionally, they have scheduled a National Summit for November 22, 2025, and aims to expose the truth about the oil sector and promote accurate information.

The Statement reads:

We have called this emergency press conference today, not to celebrate alone, but to sound a loud and unmistakable alarm, and to issue a final warning to a small but powerful group of economic saboteurs who are hell-bent on dragging Nigeria back into the dark ages of fuel importation, artificial scarcity, and perpetual poverty.

The Undeniable Reality: Nigeria Has Achieved Full Energy Independence
As of today, 18th November, 2025, the Dangote Refinery is loading and dispatching more than 104 million litres of refined petroleum products daily, over 57 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Jet fuel 20 million litres and 27 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) totaling 104 million litres of petroleum products. This volume exceeds Nigeria’s total national daily consumption of approximately 70–75 million litres.

In plain language: We have more than enough locally refined fuel for every car, truck, generator, and factory in Nigeria. Fuel importation is no longer a necessity, it is now a choice. And that choice is being made only by those who profit from our collective suffering.

Furthermore, we must address and debunk recent misleading claims, such as those from Festus Osifo, President of PENGASSAN, suggesting that the refinery’s output meets only about 40% of national needs. This is simply not true. As of November 2025, the Dangote Refinery’s production is at 100% or more of Nigeria’s requirements, rendering such assertions outdated and inaccurate. We urge all parties, including labor unions, to align with facts and support this achievement rather than undermine it for narrow agendas.

The Suspicious Suspension of the 15% Import Duty, A Direct Attack on Local Refineries
Just when Nigerians should be enjoying the fruits of self-sufficiency, we woke up to the shocking news that the federal government has suspended the recently imposed 15% import duty on petroleum products until the first quarter of 2026.
This is not policy, this is sabotage disguised as relief.

This suspension effectively makes imported fuel cheaper than locally refined fuel, thereby creating an artificial price advantage for importers and rendering modular and large-scale local refineries uncompetitive.
Ask yourselves:

• Why are importers still bringing in hundreds of thousands of metric tonnes of PMS and diesel when Dangote alone is producing surplus?
• Who benefits when the government quietly removes a policy that was designed to protect local refining capacity?
• Why are we subsidizing foreign refineries in Europe and America with Nigerian crude and Nigerian forex when our own refinery is begging to supply the entire nation at a lower cost?
The answer is clear: a powerful cartel of fuel importers, oil trading cabals, and their collaborators inside and outside government are terrified that their decades-long multi-trillion-naira racket is collapsing before their very eyes.

Who Are These Saboteurs and Why Are They Angry?
They are the same cabals who, for over 40 years, turned fuel importation into the biggest fraud in Nigeria’s history.
They are the importers who smile to the bank while Nigerians sleep in petrol stations.
They are the marketers who create artificial scarcity to inflate prices.
They are the highly placed officials who receive kickbacks for every litre imported.
Their only crime against these people? Aliko Dangote built a world-class refinery that has ended their monopoly and is now alleviating the suffering of over 200 million Nigerians.
They are bitter. They are desperate. And they are dangerous.
That is why they sponsor false stories, twisted statistics, and outright lies claiming Dangote produces only “40%” when the facts show 100%+. That is why they pressure for policies that kill local refining. That is why they want importation to continue at all costs.

Our Ultimatum to the Saboteurs
Today, on behalf of millions of suffering and now hopeful Nigerians, BAVCCA and COCSON jointly issue a SEVEN-DAY ULTIMATUM to every individual, group, or cartel still engaged in this campaign of calumny, blackmail, and economic sabotage against the Dangote Refinery and Nigeria’s energy independence:

i) Cease immediately every form of negative propaganda, false data dissemination, and sponsorship of anti-Dangote Refinery narratives across traditional and social media.
ii) Stop lobbying for the continuation of fuel importation and the suspension or reversal of protective policies for local refineries.

Hands off our national asset!
If, by 12:01 am on Tuesday, 25th November 2025, you have not desisted, we will have no choice but to begin a phased naming and shaming campaign at our National Summit scheduled for Saturday 22nd November, 2025. We will release names, photographs, companies, bank records where necessary, and documented evidence of individuals and entities involved no matter how highly placed.

For those of you hiding inside government circles, know this: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown in words and deeds that he is a President who positively impacts the lives of Nigerians and has zero tolerance for corruption and sabotage. We have already submitted detailed petitions to the Presidency, the EFCC, the ICPC, the DSS, and the National Assembly demanding immediate investigation into this conspiracy. Those found culpable will be removed, prosecuted, and made to face the full wrath of the law.

The National Summit themed “Energy Truth Summit: Empowering Nigerians with Facts”
The National Summit will hold in Abuja on 22nd November 2025, it is designed to expose the wrath in the oil sector and why petroleum importers wants to strangulate the local refiners, it also seeks strengthen public understanding of the energy sector through data presentations, practical content creation workshops, and an interactive town hall. Its key outputs, including a digital toolkit for creators, the Energy Truth Badge, and a live fact checking app, will equip thousands of online influencers to promote accurate information. Supported by strong media partnerships and attracting over a million virtual participants, the summit aims to reshape national conversations with verified facts.

Our Pledge to Nigerians
The Dangote Refinery is not Aliko Dangote’s personal property, it is a national asset. We, the people, will defend it with everything we have. Through our platforms, our voices, our protests if necessary, and our votes, we will ensure that no cabal succeeds in turning back the clock on Nigeria’s progress.

We call on President Tinubu to personally intervene by:
a) We seek an out right ban on Fuel importation not just suspension of the 15% import duty.

b) Directing that only locally refined products be sold in Nigeria as long as local production exceeds demand.

c) Setting up a special task force to investigate and prosecute economic saboteurs in the downstream sector.

Fellow Nigerians, the battle for affordable fuel, stable economy, and true independence has entered its final stage. This is not Dangote’s fight alone.