The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has said the North should support President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027.

He insisted that any Northerner seeking the presidency in 2027 would be working against the region’s interests.

Akume said the North should allow Tinubu to complete his political project before considering another presidential bid in 2031.

The SGF stated this on Saturday while addressing Benue State indigenes resident in Kaduna ahead of the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign in the state capital.

He urged Northerners to remain united and resist political ambitions capable of dividing the region ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Add us to your Preferred Sources
“The North must remain united and focus on its collective interest rather than allow individual ambitions to divide us,” Akume said.

The former Benue State governor argued that the region needed to consider its long-term political interests and the implications of the 2027 presidential election for its future.

He said, “President Bola Tinubu should be allowed to complete his political project before the North considers its own presidential ambition in 2031.”

Akume also cautioned against attempts to divide Northerners along political, religious and personal lines, stressing that unity remained essential to the region’s political relevance.

“We must not allow political, religious or personal differences to undermine our common interests. The strength of the North lies in our ability to work together,” he said.

The SGF further called for peaceful coexistence and cooperation among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities, saying national development depended on unity.

He urged the people to examine political developments carefully and avoid being misled by individuals whose ambitions might conflict with the broader interests of the region.

The meeting brought together Benue indigenes living in Kaduna and other political stakeholders to discuss issues affecting their community, political representation and engagement with leaders at the national level.

The APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna is expected to bring together party leaders, supporters and political stakeholders from across the country.

Mr. Lewis Tung and his brother Robert Tung

The Federal High Court, presided over by Honourable Justice Aluko, has granted an application by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc for substituted service of Form 49 on directors of Wempco named as alleged contemnors in the case of UBA v. Wempco.

The application forms part of proceedings seeking to determine whether the named individuals disobeyed an order of the court and whether they should be committed to prison for contempt.

The directors named as alleged contemnors are Lewis Shui Ngor Tung, Phillip Shui Chei Tung, M.A. Ola Yusuf, Tung Lawrence Blake, Aali Aare Hadji Tokunbo, Paul Shui Po Tung, Tung Robert, C.L. Ip and Taiwo Alli.
In advancing the application, counsel to UBA argued that service of Form 49 on the alleged contemnors was necessary to enable them to appear before the court and show cause why an order of committal should not be made against them.
He also argued that the Directors of Wempco and some members of staff took illegal steps in an attempt to disobey the Order of Court.

The court’s decision to grant substituted service provides a procedural step towards bringing the notice to the attention of the individuals concerned in accordance with the court’s directions.

Form 49 is a notice requiring an alleged contemnor to show cause why an order of committal to prison should not be made against them for alleged disobedience of a court order.

The Federal High Court had earlier made an Order of Mareva Injunction and appointed a Receiver/Manager over some of the Assets of Wempco following the indebtedness of Wempco to UBA in the sum of N61,445,695,993.76 (Sixty One Billion FourHundred and Forty-Five Million Six Hundred and Ninety Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety Three Naira, Seventy Six Kobo).

A Lagos State High Court, last Thursday, granted interim preservative orders of Mareva Injunction against Vitol SA – a Switzerland based Energy Trading company, and four other shipping companies in favour of United Bank for Africa Plc.

The bank alleged Vitol of wrongful release of cargoes of petroleum products which were consigned to the order of United Bank for Africa Plc in the Bills of Lading.

Addressing the Court, Bode Olanipekun, SAN, lead counsel for United Bank for Africa, urged the Court to grant the interim preservative orders against Vitol and the other shippers.

In a ruling on the application, the presiding judge, Honourable Justice K. A. Jose (Mrs.) granted three prayers in UBA’s application, including requests to restrain the dissipation of assets and dealings with funds up to the disputed amount by Vitol S.A.

“Prayers 1–3 are granted as prayed against the 2nd Respondent only,” the judge ruled.

The application was brought pursuant to Order 43 Rule 1 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and the Lagos State High Court Practice Direction No. 2 of 2019.

UBA is seeking to contend in the substantive proceedings that Vitol SA and the owners of the vessels, are liable for alleged conversion, misrepresentation and negligence arising from the non-delivery of the petroleum products.

UBA also cited 34 financial institutions and public agencies, including commercial banks, merchant banks, microfinance banks, the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigeria Customs Service, in connection with the application.

In an affidavit supporting the application, UBA’s Group Head of Recoveries and Remedial Management, Anthony Chilaka, stated that the bank issued a letter of credit for the benefit of Vitol SA to facilitate a petroleum products transactions.

UBA alleged that the cargo was transported to Nigeria and that the vessels’ masters issued several bills of lading.
The bank further alleged that Vitol subsequently endorsed the bills of lading “to the order of” UBA and handed over the original copies to it.
UBA maintained that the endorsement entitled it to take possession of the cargo upon completion of the voyage.
However, Chilaka stated that the bank had not received the gasoil despite the completion of the voyage.
“The applicant has not been given possession of the gasoil despite completion of the voyage,” the affidavit stated.
UBA alleged that the cargo was instead, applied to the use of another party, contending that the respondents’ failure to deliver it amounted to conversion and negligence.
The bank argued that the respondents had obligations arising from the transaction and the endorsement of the shipping documents, which it claimed were not fulfilled.
The bank alleged that the cargoes associated with those transactions were also diverted to the use of other parties after their voyages, rather than delivered to UBA.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has said the North should support President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027.

He insisted that any Northerner seeking the presidency in 2027 would be working against the region’s interests.

Akume said the North should allow Tinubu to complete his political project before considering another presidential bid in 2031.

The SGF stated this on Saturday while addressing Benue State indigenes resident in Kaduna ahead of the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign in the state capital.

He urged Northerners to remain united and resist political ambitions capable of dividing the region ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Add us to your Preferred Sources
“The North must remain united and focus on its collective interest rather than allow individual ambitions to divide us,” Akume said.

The former Benue State governor argued that the region needed to consider its long-term political interests and the implications of the 2027 presidential election for its future.

He said, “President Bola Tinubu should be allowed to complete his political project before the North considers its own presidential ambition in 2031.”

Akume also cautioned against attempts to divide Northerners along political, religious and personal lines, stressing that unity remained essential to the region’s political relevance.

“We must not allow political, religious or personal differences to undermine our common interests. The strength of the North lies in our ability to work together,” he said.

The SGF further called for peaceful coexistence and cooperation among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities, saying national development depended on unity.

He urged the people to examine political developments carefully and avoid being misled by individuals whose ambitions might conflict with the broader interests of the region.

The meeting brought together Benue indigenes living in Kaduna and other political stakeholders to discuss issues affecting their community, political representation and engagement with leaders at the national level.

The APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna is expected to bring together party leaders, supporters and political stakeholders from across the country.

Mr. Lewis Tung and his brother Robert Tung

The Federal High Court, presided over by Honourable Justice Aluko, has granted an application by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc for substituted service of Form 49 on directors of Wempco named as alleged contemnors in the case of UBA v. Wempco.

The application forms part of proceedings seeking to determine whether the named individuals disobeyed an order of the court and whether they should be committed to prison for contempt.

The directors named as alleged contemnors are Lewis Shui Ngor Tung, Phillip Shui Chei Tung, M.A. Ola Yusuf, Tung Lawrence Blake, Aali Aare Hadji Tokunbo, Paul Shui Po Tung, Tung Robert, C.L. Ip and Taiwo Alli.
In advancing the application, counsel to UBA argued that service of Form 49 on the alleged contemnors was necessary to enable them to appear before the court and show cause why an order of committal should not be made against them.
He also argued that the Directors of Wempco and some members of staff took illegal steps in an attempt to disobey the Order of Court.

The court’s decision to grant substituted service provides a procedural step towards bringing the notice to the attention of the individuals concerned in accordance with the court’s directions.

Form 49 is a notice requiring an alleged contemnor to show cause why an order of committal to prison should not be made against them for alleged disobedience of a court order.

The Federal High Court had earlier made an Order of Mareva Injunction and appointed a Receiver/Manager over some of the Assets of Wempco following the indebtedness of Wempco to UBA in the sum of N61,445,695,993.76 (Sixty One Billion FourHundred and Forty-Five Million Six Hundred and Ninety Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety Three Naira, Seventy Six Kobo).

A Lagos State High Court, last Thursday, granted interim preservative orders of Mareva Injunction against Vitol SA – a Switzerland based Energy Trading company, and four other shipping companies in favour of United Bank for Africa Plc.

The bank alleged Vitol of wrongful release of cargoes of petroleum products which were consigned to the order of United Bank for Africa Plc in the Bills of Lading.

Addressing the Court, Bode Olanipekun, SAN, lead counsel for United Bank for Africa, urged the Court to grant the interim preservative orders against Vitol and the other shippers.

In a ruling on the application, the presiding judge, Honourable Justice K. A. Jose (Mrs.) granted three prayers in UBA’s application, including requests to restrain the dissipation of assets and dealings with funds up to the disputed amount by Vitol S.A.

“Prayers 1–3 are granted as prayed against the 2nd Respondent only,” the judge ruled.

The application was brought pursuant to Order 43 Rule 1 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and the Lagos State High Court Practice Direction No. 2 of 2019.

UBA is seeking to contend in the substantive proceedings that Vitol SA and the owners of the vessels, are liable for alleged conversion, misrepresentation and negligence arising from the non-delivery of the petroleum products.

UBA also cited 34 financial institutions and public agencies, including commercial banks, merchant banks, microfinance banks, the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigeria Customs Service, in connection with the application.

In an affidavit supporting the application, UBA’s Group Head of Recoveries and Remedial Management, Anthony Chilaka, stated that the bank issued a letter of credit for the benefit of Vitol SA to facilitate a petroleum products transactions.

UBA alleged that the cargo was transported to Nigeria and that the vessels’ masters issued several bills of lading.
The bank further alleged that Vitol subsequently endorsed the bills of lading “to the order of” UBA and handed over the original copies to it.
UBA maintained that the endorsement entitled it to take possession of the cargo upon completion of the voyage.
However, Chilaka stated that the bank had not received the gasoil despite the completion of the voyage.
“The applicant has not been given possession of the gasoil despite completion of the voyage,” the affidavit stated.
UBA alleged that the cargo was instead, applied to the use of another party, contending that the respondents’ failure to deliver it amounted to conversion and negligence.
The bank argued that the respondents had obligations arising from the transaction and the endorsement of the shipping documents, which it claimed were not fulfilled.
The bank alleged that the cargoes associated with those transactions were also diverted to the use of other parties after their voyages, rather than delivered to UBA.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has said the North should support President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027.

He insisted that any Northerner seeking the presidency in 2027 would be working against the region’s interests.

Akume said the North should allow Tinubu to complete his political project before considering another presidential bid in 2031.

The SGF stated this on Saturday while addressing Benue State indigenes resident in Kaduna ahead of the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign in the state capital.

He urged Northerners to remain united and resist political ambitions capable of dividing the region ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Add us to your Preferred Sources
“The North must remain united and focus on its collective interest rather than allow individual ambitions to divide us,” Akume said.

The former Benue State governor argued that the region needed to consider its long-term political interests and the implications of the 2027 presidential election for its future.

He said, “President Bola Tinubu should be allowed to complete his political project before the North considers its own presidential ambition in 2031.”

Akume also cautioned against attempts to divide Northerners along political, religious and personal lines, stressing that unity remained essential to the region’s political relevance.

“We must not allow political, religious or personal differences to undermine our common interests. The strength of the North lies in our ability to work together,” he said.

The SGF further called for peaceful coexistence and cooperation among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities, saying national development depended on unity.

He urged the people to examine political developments carefully and avoid being misled by individuals whose ambitions might conflict with the broader interests of the region.

The meeting brought together Benue indigenes living in Kaduna and other political stakeholders to discuss issues affecting their community, political representation and engagement with leaders at the national level.

The APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna is expected to bring together party leaders, supporters and political stakeholders from across the country.

Mr. Lewis Tung and his brother Robert Tung

The Federal High Court, presided over by Honourable Justice Aluko, has granted an application by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc for substituted service of Form 49 on directors of Wempco named as alleged contemnors in the case of UBA v. Wempco.

The application forms part of proceedings seeking to determine whether the named individuals disobeyed an order of the court and whether they should be committed to prison for contempt.

The directors named as alleged contemnors are Lewis Shui Ngor Tung, Phillip Shui Chei Tung, M.A. Ola Yusuf, Tung Lawrence Blake, Aali Aare Hadji Tokunbo, Paul Shui Po Tung, Tung Robert, C.L. Ip and Taiwo Alli.
In advancing the application, counsel to UBA argued that service of Form 49 on the alleged contemnors was necessary to enable them to appear before the court and show cause why an order of committal should not be made against them.
He also argued that the Directors of Wempco and some members of staff took illegal steps in an attempt to disobey the Order of Court.

The court’s decision to grant substituted service provides a procedural step towards bringing the notice to the attention of the individuals concerned in accordance with the court’s directions.

Form 49 is a notice requiring an alleged contemnor to show cause why an order of committal to prison should not be made against them for alleged disobedience of a court order.

The Federal High Court had earlier made an Order of Mareva Injunction and appointed a Receiver/Manager over some of the Assets of Wempco following the indebtedness of Wempco to UBA in the sum of N61,445,695,993.76 (Sixty One Billion FourHundred and Forty-Five Million Six Hundred and Ninety Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety Three Naira, Seventy Six Kobo).

A Lagos State High Court, last Thursday, granted interim preservative orders of Mareva Injunction against Vitol SA – a Switzerland based Energy Trading company, and four other shipping companies in favour of United Bank for Africa Plc.

The bank alleged Vitol of wrongful release of cargoes of petroleum products which were consigned to the order of United Bank for Africa Plc in the Bills of Lading.

Addressing the Court, Bode Olanipekun, SAN, lead counsel for United Bank for Africa, urged the Court to grant the interim preservative orders against Vitol and the other shippers.

In a ruling on the application, the presiding judge, Honourable Justice K. A. Jose (Mrs.) granted three prayers in UBA’s application, including requests to restrain the dissipation of assets and dealings with funds up to the disputed amount by Vitol S.A.

“Prayers 1–3 are granted as prayed against the 2nd Respondent only,” the judge ruled.

The application was brought pursuant to Order 43 Rule 1 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and the Lagos State High Court Practice Direction No. 2 of 2019.

UBA is seeking to contend in the substantive proceedings that Vitol SA and the owners of the vessels, are liable for alleged conversion, misrepresentation and negligence arising from the non-delivery of the petroleum products.

UBA also cited 34 financial institutions and public agencies, including commercial banks, merchant banks, microfinance banks, the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigeria Customs Service, in connection with the application.

In an affidavit supporting the application, UBA’s Group Head of Recoveries and Remedial Management, Anthony Chilaka, stated that the bank issued a letter of credit for the benefit of Vitol SA to facilitate a petroleum products transactions.

UBA alleged that the cargo was transported to Nigeria and that the vessels’ masters issued several bills of lading.
The bank further alleged that Vitol subsequently endorsed the bills of lading “to the order of” UBA and handed over the original copies to it.
UBA maintained that the endorsement entitled it to take possession of the cargo upon completion of the voyage.
However, Chilaka stated that the bank had not received the gasoil despite the completion of the voyage.
“The applicant has not been given possession of the gasoil despite completion of the voyage,” the affidavit stated.
UBA alleged that the cargo was instead, applied to the use of another party, contending that the respondents’ failure to deliver it amounted to conversion and negligence.
The bank argued that the respondents had obligations arising from the transaction and the endorsement of the shipping documents, which it claimed were not fulfilled.
The bank alleged that the cargoes associated with those transactions were also diverted to the use of other parties after their voyages, rather than delivered to UBA.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has said the North should support President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027.

He insisted that any Northerner seeking the presidency in 2027 would be working against the region’s interests.

Akume said the North should allow Tinubu to complete his political project before considering another presidential bid in 2031.

The SGF stated this on Saturday while addressing Benue State indigenes resident in Kaduna ahead of the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign in the state capital.

He urged Northerners to remain united and resist political ambitions capable of dividing the region ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Add us to your Preferred Sources
“The North must remain united and focus on its collective interest rather than allow individual ambitions to divide us,” Akume said.

The former Benue State governor argued that the region needed to consider its long-term political interests and the implications of the 2027 presidential election for its future.

He said, “President Bola Tinubu should be allowed to complete his political project before the North considers its own presidential ambition in 2031.”

Akume also cautioned against attempts to divide Northerners along political, religious and personal lines, stressing that unity remained essential to the region’s political relevance.

“We must not allow political, religious or personal differences to undermine our common interests. The strength of the North lies in our ability to work together,” he said.

The SGF further called for peaceful coexistence and cooperation among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities, saying national development depended on unity.

He urged the people to examine political developments carefully and avoid being misled by individuals whose ambitions might conflict with the broader interests of the region.

The meeting brought together Benue indigenes living in Kaduna and other political stakeholders to discuss issues affecting their community, political representation and engagement with leaders at the national level.

The APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna is expected to bring together party leaders, supporters and political stakeholders from across the country.

Mr. Lewis Tung and his brother Robert Tung

The Federal High Court, presided over by Honourable Justice Aluko, has granted an application by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc for substituted service of Form 49 on directors of Wempco named as alleged contemnors in the case of UBA v. Wempco.

The application forms part of proceedings seeking to determine whether the named individuals disobeyed an order of the court and whether they should be committed to prison for contempt.

The directors named as alleged contemnors are Lewis Shui Ngor Tung, Phillip Shui Chei Tung, M.A. Ola Yusuf, Tung Lawrence Blake, Aali Aare Hadji Tokunbo, Paul Shui Po Tung, Tung Robert, C.L. Ip and Taiwo Alli.
In advancing the application, counsel to UBA argued that service of Form 49 on the alleged contemnors was necessary to enable them to appear before the court and show cause why an order of committal should not be made against them.
He also argued that the Directors of Wempco and some members of staff took illegal steps in an attempt to disobey the Order of Court.

The court’s decision to grant substituted service provides a procedural step towards bringing the notice to the attention of the individuals concerned in accordance with the court’s directions.

Form 49 is a notice requiring an alleged contemnor to show cause why an order of committal to prison should not be made against them for alleged disobedience of a court order.

The Federal High Court had earlier made an Order of Mareva Injunction and appointed a Receiver/Manager over some of the Assets of Wempco following the indebtedness of Wempco to UBA in the sum of N61,445,695,993.76 (Sixty One Billion FourHundred and Forty-Five Million Six Hundred and Ninety Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety Three Naira, Seventy Six Kobo).

A Lagos State High Court, last Thursday, granted interim preservative orders of Mareva Injunction against Vitol SA – a Switzerland based Energy Trading company, and four other shipping companies in favour of United Bank for Africa Plc.

The bank alleged Vitol of wrongful release of cargoes of petroleum products which were consigned to the order of United Bank for Africa Plc in the Bills of Lading.

Addressing the Court, Bode Olanipekun, SAN, lead counsel for United Bank for Africa, urged the Court to grant the interim preservative orders against Vitol and the other shippers.

In a ruling on the application, the presiding judge, Honourable Justice K. A. Jose (Mrs.) granted three prayers in UBA’s application, including requests to restrain the dissipation of assets and dealings with funds up to the disputed amount by Vitol S.A.

“Prayers 1–3 are granted as prayed against the 2nd Respondent only,” the judge ruled.

The application was brought pursuant to Order 43 Rule 1 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and the Lagos State High Court Practice Direction No. 2 of 2019.

UBA is seeking to contend in the substantive proceedings that Vitol SA and the owners of the vessels, are liable for alleged conversion, misrepresentation and negligence arising from the non-delivery of the petroleum products.

UBA also cited 34 financial institutions and public agencies, including commercial banks, merchant banks, microfinance banks, the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigeria Customs Service, in connection with the application.

In an affidavit supporting the application, UBA’s Group Head of Recoveries and Remedial Management, Anthony Chilaka, stated that the bank issued a letter of credit for the benefit of Vitol SA to facilitate a petroleum products transactions.

UBA alleged that the cargo was transported to Nigeria and that the vessels’ masters issued several bills of lading.
The bank further alleged that Vitol subsequently endorsed the bills of lading “to the order of” UBA and handed over the original copies to it.
UBA maintained that the endorsement entitled it to take possession of the cargo upon completion of the voyage.
However, Chilaka stated that the bank had not received the gasoil despite the completion of the voyage.
“The applicant has not been given possession of the gasoil despite completion of the voyage,” the affidavit stated.
UBA alleged that the cargo was instead, applied to the use of another party, contending that the respondents’ failure to deliver it amounted to conversion and negligence.
The bank argued that the respondents had obligations arising from the transaction and the endorsement of the shipping documents, which it claimed were not fulfilled.
The bank alleged that the cargoes associated with those transactions were also diverted to the use of other parties after their voyages, rather than delivered to UBA.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has said the North should support President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027.

He insisted that any Northerner seeking the presidency in 2027 would be working against the region’s interests.

Akume said the North should allow Tinubu to complete his political project before considering another presidential bid in 2031.

The SGF stated this on Saturday while addressing Benue State indigenes resident in Kaduna ahead of the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign in the state capital.

He urged Northerners to remain united and resist political ambitions capable of dividing the region ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Add us to your Preferred Sources
“The North must remain united and focus on its collective interest rather than allow individual ambitions to divide us,” Akume said.

The former Benue State governor argued that the region needed to consider its long-term political interests and the implications of the 2027 presidential election for its future.

He said, “President Bola Tinubu should be allowed to complete his political project before the North considers its own presidential ambition in 2031.”

Akume also cautioned against attempts to divide Northerners along political, religious and personal lines, stressing that unity remained essential to the region’s political relevance.

“We must not allow political, religious or personal differences to undermine our common interests. The strength of the North lies in our ability to work together,” he said.

The SGF further called for peaceful coexistence and cooperation among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities, saying national development depended on unity.

He urged the people to examine political developments carefully and avoid being misled by individuals whose ambitions might conflict with the broader interests of the region.

The meeting brought together Benue indigenes living in Kaduna and other political stakeholders to discuss issues affecting their community, political representation and engagement with leaders at the national level.

The APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna is expected to bring together party leaders, supporters and political stakeholders from across the country.

Mr. Lewis Tung and his brother Robert Tung

The Federal High Court, presided over by Honourable Justice Aluko, has granted an application by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc for substituted service of Form 49 on directors of Wempco named as alleged contemnors in the case of UBA v. Wempco.

The application forms part of proceedings seeking to determine whether the named individuals disobeyed an order of the court and whether they should be committed to prison for contempt.

The directors named as alleged contemnors are Lewis Shui Ngor Tung, Phillip Shui Chei Tung, M.A. Ola Yusuf, Tung Lawrence Blake, Aali Aare Hadji Tokunbo, Paul Shui Po Tung, Tung Robert, C.L. Ip and Taiwo Alli.
In advancing the application, counsel to UBA argued that service of Form 49 on the alleged contemnors was necessary to enable them to appear before the court and show cause why an order of committal should not be made against them.
He also argued that the Directors of Wempco and some members of staff took illegal steps in an attempt to disobey the Order of Court.

The court’s decision to grant substituted service provides a procedural step towards bringing the notice to the attention of the individuals concerned in accordance with the court’s directions.

Form 49 is a notice requiring an alleged contemnor to show cause why an order of committal to prison should not be made against them for alleged disobedience of a court order.

The Federal High Court had earlier made an Order of Mareva Injunction and appointed a Receiver/Manager over some of the Assets of Wempco following the indebtedness of Wempco to UBA in the sum of N61,445,695,993.76 (Sixty One Billion FourHundred and Forty-Five Million Six Hundred and Ninety Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety Three Naira, Seventy Six Kobo).

A Lagos State High Court, last Thursday, granted interim preservative orders of Mareva Injunction against Vitol SA – a Switzerland based Energy Trading company, and four other shipping companies in favour of United Bank for Africa Plc.

The bank alleged Vitol of wrongful release of cargoes of petroleum products which were consigned to the order of United Bank for Africa Plc in the Bills of Lading.

Addressing the Court, Bode Olanipekun, SAN, lead counsel for United Bank for Africa, urged the Court to grant the interim preservative orders against Vitol and the other shippers.

In a ruling on the application, the presiding judge, Honourable Justice K. A. Jose (Mrs.) granted three prayers in UBA’s application, including requests to restrain the dissipation of assets and dealings with funds up to the disputed amount by Vitol S.A.

“Prayers 1–3 are granted as prayed against the 2nd Respondent only,” the judge ruled.

The application was brought pursuant to Order 43 Rule 1 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and the Lagos State High Court Practice Direction No. 2 of 2019.

UBA is seeking to contend in the substantive proceedings that Vitol SA and the owners of the vessels, are liable for alleged conversion, misrepresentation and negligence arising from the non-delivery of the petroleum products.

UBA also cited 34 financial institutions and public agencies, including commercial banks, merchant banks, microfinance banks, the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigeria Customs Service, in connection with the application.

In an affidavit supporting the application, UBA’s Group Head of Recoveries and Remedial Management, Anthony Chilaka, stated that the bank issued a letter of credit for the benefit of Vitol SA to facilitate a petroleum products transactions.

UBA alleged that the cargo was transported to Nigeria and that the vessels’ masters issued several bills of lading.
The bank further alleged that Vitol subsequently endorsed the bills of lading “to the order of” UBA and handed over the original copies to it.
UBA maintained that the endorsement entitled it to take possession of the cargo upon completion of the voyage.
However, Chilaka stated that the bank had not received the gasoil despite the completion of the voyage.
“The applicant has not been given possession of the gasoil despite completion of the voyage,” the affidavit stated.
UBA alleged that the cargo was instead, applied to the use of another party, contending that the respondents’ failure to deliver it amounted to conversion and negligence.
The bank argued that the respondents had obligations arising from the transaction and the endorsement of the shipping documents, which it claimed were not fulfilled.
The bank alleged that the cargoes associated with those transactions were also diverted to the use of other parties after their voyages, rather than delivered to UBA.