AMNI Petroleum Firmly Denies Receivership Allegations Amid Legal Dispute
AMNI International Petroleum Development Company Limited has issued a strong rebuttal against widespread reports claiming the company has been placed under receivership. The energy firm categorically stated that these claims are inaccurate and materially misleading, emphasizing that a recent Federal High Court order has been fundamentally misinterpreted by various media outlets.
Clarifying the Court Order's Limited Scope
According to AMNI's official clarification, the court order in question relates exclusively to a limited appointment as Administrator for specific and defined purposes connected to an alleged indebtedness involving Cenroc. The company stressed that any suggestion that full managerial control has changed hands or that a receivership structure has been established over its business operations is completely incorrect.
The order, as drawn, does not transfer operational control or establish a receivership structure over our business, AMNI explained in its statement. Rather, it concerns a restricted administrative function tied to disputed claims that are currently under legal review.
Legal Challenges and Pending Applications
AMNI has confirmed that it has exercised its constitutional right to challenge the decision through the appellate process. The company has filed a comprehensive appeal before the Court of Appeal, accompanied by applications seeking:
- A stay of execution of the current order
- Injunctive relief to preserve the status quo
- Judicial review of the appointment's validity and scope
These applications remain pending and have not yet been determined by the appellate court. AMNI expressed significant concern over what it described as premature public declarations implying finality or a loss of control, despite ongoing judicial proceedings specifically designed to preserve the current operational structure.
Underlying Commercial Dispute Details
The conflict at the heart of this legal battle stems from contested commercial transactions between AMNI and Cenroc. The petroleum company maintains that it is vigorously challenging these allegations, particularly concerning questions of corporate authority and prior approvals.
The allegations of unauthorized approvals are strongly contested and form part of the substantive issues now before the appellate court, AMNI stated, signaling its determination to seek judicial clarity on both the administrative appointment and the broader commercial claims through the appeal process.
Business Operations Continue Unaffected
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, AMNI emphasized that its business operations continue normally without disruption. The company reaffirmed its commitment to meeting all regulatory, contractual, and operational obligations during this period.
For absolute clarity, AMNI outlined its current position:
- An appeal has been formally filed with the Court of Appeal
- Applications for stay of execution and injunctive relief are pending judicial determination
- The scope and validity of the administrative appointment are under active legal challenge
- All allegations concerning corporate authority and approvals remain vigorously disputed
Until the appellate court reaches a determination, any assertion that AMNI International Petroleum Development Company Limited is under receivership or has lost managerial control is completely unfounded, according to the company's official position.
As this legal battle continues to unfold, attention now shifts to the appellate court where the next phase of this complex commercial dispute will be decided, potentially setting important precedents for corporate governance and commercial litigation in Nigeria's energy sector.
