The Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned indefinitely the proceedings in the case involving an alleged $225.8 million debt owed to First Bank Nigeria Ltd. and FBN Quest Trustees Ltd. by the oil and gas company, General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL). The court adjourned the case to await the outcome of an appeal filed by the parties.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Buchi Ofolue represented the plaintiffs, First Bank and FBN Quest Trustees, while Taiwo Doherty and Wilson Okereke represented the 1st defendant, General Hydrocarbons Ltd. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Olumide Aju represented the 2nd to 5th defendants, Nduka Obaigbena and other GHL directors. I.O. Ike represented the 6th and 7th defendants, Aimonte Nig. Ltd. and Calidin Oyo Production BBS Ltd., while Uzoamaka Ikpeazu represented the 13th defendant, Glencore Energy UK Ltd.
Aju informed the court that the parties had filed and exchanged briefs at the Court of Appeal and that he had discussed with his colleague, SAN Victor Ogude, who had previously represented the plaintiffs.
Both agreed that the case should be adjourned indefinitely at the lower court. Although Ogude was absent from the proceedings, Ofolue confirmed that all parties had agreed to the indefinite adjournment.
After hearing from the lawyers, Justice Deinde Dipeolu ruled to adjourn the case indefinitely, pending the resolution of the appeal.
