Chappal Energies Ltd. has formally challenged a notice issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking to summon its Managing Director, Ufoma Immanuel, arguing that the action violates an existing court injunction.
In a statement on Wednesday, the company said the EFCC bypassed established legal procedures by issuing a public notice without first attempting to engage Mr. Immanuel or the firm through official channels. Chappal Energies described the move as an “unfortunate impression of a public escalation.”
“The law requires enforcement agencies to make reasonable attempts at engagement before acting on any warrant,” the statement read. “No such attempt was made in this instance, despite the company’s offices and leadership being fully reachable through publicly available contacts.”
The dispute arises amid what Chappal Energies calls “coordinated pressures” connected to an ongoing civil matter. The company noted that an interlocutory injunction, granted on September 11 by Justice J.E. Obanor of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, explicitly restrains the EFCC and other respondents from inviting, questioning, arresting, or detaining Immanuel, or taking any action against the company until the matter is resolved.
Chappal Energies maintained that the EFCC notice “creates the impression of external actors seeking public spectacle rather than adherence to due legal process.” EFCC officials were not immediately available for comment.
The company reiterated its respect for statutory institutions, including the EFCC, and expressed readiness to cooperate with authorities “through proper legal channels,” while stating it would take “appropriate legal steps” in response to the notice. Operations at Chappal Energies continue unaffected, with leadership focusing on long-term value creation for stakeholders, partners, and regulators.
