Foremost energy firm, Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Limited, has rejected the implications of a recent Federal High Court ruling, ordering the forfeiture of its assets, maintaining that the decision did not establish any wrongdoing against the company or its leadership.
Background of the Case
A Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered the sum of $13 million traced to businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu’s firm to be permanently forfeited to the Nigerian government. Delivering judgement on the forfeiture application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the judge, Emeka Nwite, held that both the company, Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, and Ms. Achimugu failed to prove that the money was legitimately earned.
Reaction from Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Limited
The firm, in a statement by its Secretary, Nnenna Onyeaso, described the ruling as a civil asset forfeiture order predicated on suspicion rather than proof, stressing that it fell short of a criminal finding of liability. The company disclosed that it had already activated the appellate process, instructing its lawyers to challenge the ruling at a higher court.
It expressed confidence that a detailed judicial review would vindicate its operations and corporate conduct. “The appellate process exists for exactly this kind of outcome,” the statement noted, adding that it remained confident that “a thorough review of the facts would speak for itself.”
Group Alleges Sinister Agenda Against Sanwo-Olu
Meanwhile, a group, The New Gatekeepers, has alleged clandestine and sinister agenda linking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu with the Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Limited case. The group, in a statement by its leader, Jamiu Akande, said it was a deliberate agenda setting, targeting the post-Sanwo-Olu era.
Akande said: “We strongly condemn the recent media narratives being spread against the Governor of Lagos State, alleging ongoing investigations by EFCC in connection with some going concerns. These claims are unfounded and misleading.
- It is essential to recognise that such assertions appear to be part of a broader agenda aimed at undermining the governor’s reputation and the progress being made in the state.
- We urge the public to critically evaluate the sources of this information and to refrain from spreading unverified claims.
- It is crucial that all allegations are thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability and transparency.
The group maintained that spreading unfounded allegations can have severe consequences, eroding public confidence in institutions and the democratic process. It called on all stakeholders, including media platforms and civil society, to uphold the principles of integrity and accountability.