The Abuja division of the Federal High Court has ordered all parties to the suit against Seplat Energy Plc not to take further steps that would affect the subject matter for litigation before the court until issues in the case are resolved.

The suit marked FHC/ABJ/PET/8/2023 was filed by five people; Boniface Okezie, Bon. Bright Nwabuogwuwa, John Isesele, Okonkwo Timothy,and Augustine Ezechukwu.

Listed as respondents are Seplat Energy Plc; company CEO, Mr Roger Brown; Board Chairman, Mr Basil Omiyi, as well as Independent Non-Executive Directors of the company, Dr Charles Okeahialam, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, Rabiu Bello, Mrs Bashirat Odenewu, Emma Fitzgerald, Mrs Edit Onwuchekwa (Company Secretary/Legal Adviser), and the Corporate Affairs Commission.

The implication of the ruling delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo is that the planned Annual General Meeting (AGM) by Seplat cannot go until the next adjourned date, fixed for May 31, 2023.

“Case adjourned to 31st May 2023 for Respondents to show cause,” the court held.

Emphasizing the order not to tamper with the res, Justice Ekwo stated: “Chief Olanipekun (Counsel for Seplat), when the parties have submitted to Court, it is something you teach always that parties should hold themselves, restrain themselves from doing anything that will affect the res until the issues are resolved.” (Daily Sun)