Former head of state, Sani Abacha’s son, Mohammed Abacha has asserted that issues regarding OPL 245 are yet to be resolved.
Gatekeepers News reports that the assertion comes amid Mohammed’s claim to ownership of Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd, a company originally awarded an oil prospecting licence (OPL) in 1998 by Sani Abacha.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri revealed in February that Tinubu had directed all disputes surrounding OPL 245 deal be resolved amicably.
Later on July 3, while speaking at annual NOG Energy Week in Abuja, the minister revealed all issues had been resolved.
However, in a letter dated July 4 and addressed to Lokpobiri, Mohammed through his lawyer, Reuben Atabo said the minister’s claim is false as no resolution has been reached.
The letter goes, “Sometime ago, our clients’ attention was drawn to the publication in the news media that the federal government of Nigeria plans to commence production at Zabazaba Oil Field, which is part of the Oil Block of OPL 245 owned by Malabu Oil & Gas Limited and our clients have 70% of the company’s shares.”
“It was in view of the above, that on the 30th day of November 2023, our clients instructed us to write a letter to the Hon. attorney-general of the federation to notify him of our client’s shares in OPL 245 with a view for him to intervene in the resolution of the matter.”
“We received a response from the Hon attorney-general of the federation via his letter dated the 17th day of January 2024 of his inability to intervene.”
“From the foregoing, it is evident that the remarks made by your esteemed self during the opening session of the Nigerian Energy Week is not only misleading but bereft of the factual situation on ground.”
“Furthermore, the said remarks are an affront on the authority of our courts, having regard to the fact that the matter is subjudice before various courts in Nigeria.”
“By Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), powers in Nigeria are vested in our Courts who are meant to determine disputes between individuals and Government.”
“Also, we are now in a democratic system of government where the rule of Law prevails and not the Rule of force.”
“From the various courts, it can be seen that the federal government of Nigeria is a party to the ongoing suits and therefore the said remarks made by your esteemed self, amounts to writing judgment in your own favour notwithstanding the fact that you are a party to the suits.”
“In view of the fact that the matters of OPL 245 are in court, we do not need to go into further details to allow the Hon. Justices of the various courts to dispense justice.”
“Take notice therefore that we are by this letter demanding that ‘your esteemed self, issue a statement retracting your remarks… within 14 days from the receipt of this letter, failure of which we shall take an action against you in a competent court of law without further recourse to our clients.”
