An oil and gas company, Chappal Energies, has publicly accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of disregarding a valid court order and standard legal protocols. The allegation stems from a public notice issued by the anti-graft agency declaring the company's Managing Director, Ufoma Immanuel, wanted.
Firm Alleges EFCC Bypassed Legal Procedures
In a strong statement released on Thursday, November 20, 2025, Chappal Energies expressed its deep concern over the EFCC's actions. The commission had taken to its social media platforms on Wednesday to publish a notice declaring Ufoma Immanuel wanted for allegations of obtaining money by false pretences and forgery.
The company firmly stated that neither Mr. Immanuel nor the corporate entity was contacted by the EFCC prior to the publication of the wanted notice. Chappal Energies emphasized that Nigerian law requires enforcement agencies to make reasonable attempts at direct engagement with individuals or companies before seeking a warrant or making a public declaration.
Both the Managing Director and the company remain fully reachable through their publicly available official addresses, phone lines, and electronic contacts. The firm argued that the sudden publication of a wanted notice, despite this accessibility, creates an unfortunate impression of a public escalation where standard procedures were readily available.
Ongoing Civil Dispute and Court Injunction
Chappal Energies has linked this development to what it describes as coordinated pressures associated with an ongoing civil dispute. The situation is further complicated by the existence of a court order restraining the EFCC.
Court documents made available to The Guardian, dated September 11, 2025, reveal that Justice J.E. Obanor of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory granted an interlocutory injunction. The injunction, from suit number CV/2913/2025 and motion number M/10216/2025, specifically restrains the EFCC and other respondents from inviting, questioning, arresting, or detaining Mr. Immanuel or taking any action against Chappal Energies.
Implications for Legal Process and Corporate Operations
This public dispute raises significant questions about the adherence to legal processes and the relationship between regulatory bodies and corporate entities in Nigeria. The company's statement suggests that the EFCC's actions may be perceived as an overreach, potentially undermining the authority of the court.
The case highlights the critical balance between law enforcement and the protection of legal rights. As the situation develops, the business community and legal observers will be watching closely to see how the EFCC responds to these serious allegations of ignoring a standing court order.
