Supreme Court has sent the debt case involving Nestoil and Neconde back to the Court of Appeal to decide on questions of legal representation before reporting back on January 26, 2026.
Gatekeepers News reports that a five‑member panel led by Justice Inyang Okoro made the order at the court’s sitting in Abuja.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court emphasised that debtors should be urged to settle their debts rather than pursue baseless appeals and applications, a statement seen by legal analysts as a firm warning to litigants and their lawyers.
Other justices on the panel who agreed with the decision were Justice Jauro, Justice Sankey, Justice Adumehin, and Justice Sadiq Umar.
The appeal was lodged by Nestoil, Neconde, and their promoters Ernest Obiejesi and Nnenna Obiejesi. Disputes have arisen over the authority and competence of some legal representatives in the case, leading the apex court to require the Court of Appeal to first resolve issues around who properly represents the parties.
The matter includes challenges to senior lawyers, with Chief Olanipekun SAN appearing for one side and other senior advocates involved, as well as participation by the Receiver/Manager, Mr. Abubakar Sulu‑Gambari SAN.
Financial institutions such as FBNQUEST Merchant Bank Limited and First Trustees are also involved in the litigation, represented by teams of senior counsel and lawyers.
Parties are expected to return to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal settles the representation issues and reports on the progress of the matter.
