Nigeria’s Supreme Courtroom on Wednesday ordered Nestoil Restricted, Neconde Power Restricted and key principals Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi and Nnenna Obiejesi to return to the Courtroom of Attraction, dealing a serious blow to their pending appeals in an extended working debt restoration dispute.
The apex courtroom, sitting in Abuja, held that the Courtroom of Attraction should first resolve questions surrounding authorized illustration earlier than the matter can correctly proceed. The justices directed that the appellate courtroom conclude that activity and report again to the Supreme Courtroom on Jan. 26, 2026.
Justice Inyang Okoro, who presided over the panel, delivered the lead ruling. He was joined by Justices Tijjani Abubakar Jauro, Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere Ekun Sankey, Mohammed Lawal Garba Adumehin and Sadiq Umar, all of whom agreed with the choice.
The ruling successfully pauses the appeals now earlier than the Supreme Courtroom, shifting consideration again to unresolved disputes over which legal professionals are correctly licensed to behave for the events concerned. These points, the courtroom stated, should be settled conclusively on the Courtroom of Attraction earlier than any additional consideration on the apex courtroom.
Throughout proceedings, the Supreme Courtroom issued a pointed warning to legal professionals dealing with debt restoration instances. The justices cautioned that the judicial course of shouldn’t be used to frustrate collectors by means of countless purposes and appeals. In clear phrases, the courtroom suggested that debtors needs to be inspired to repay what they owe somewhat than pursue what it described as frivolous authorized maneuvers.
The authorized illustration dispute has drawn a number of of Nigeria’s most senior advocates into the case. Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, introduced look for Neconde, whereas Muiz Banire, SAN, appeared for Nestoil. Their authority to behave was challenged by Ayo Olorunfemi, SAN, who led Ame Ogie for Neconde, and by Ayoola Ajayi, SAN, who led MB Ganiyu for Nestoil.
Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi was represented by Chinonye Obiagwu, SAN. Nnenna Obiejesi’s authorized workforce was led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, alongside Ademola Abimbola, SAN, and Chikasolu Ojukwu, SAN.
Additionally current in courtroom was the courtroom appointed Receiver and Supervisor, Abubakar Sulu Gambari, SAN, whose position has been central to the enforcement aspect of the dispute.
Counsel for the creditor establishments, FBNQuest Service provider Financial institution Restricted and First Trustees, have been led by Babajide Koku, SAN. He appeared with Victor Ogude, SAN, Omosanya Popoola, SAN, and a workforce that included Toheeb Ipaye, Kamaal Fagbemi, Kehinde Wilkey and Buchi Ofulue.
The Supreme Courtroom’s agency stance sends a powerful sign to debtors and their advisers throughout the nation. The message from the bench was unmistakable that courts are more and more unwilling to tolerate ways that delay reimbursement by means of procedural battles somewhat than handle the substance of excellent money owed.
