Chappal Energies Faults EFCC, Says No Official Contact Made Before CEO Was Declared Wanted

Chappal Energies Faults EFCC, Says No Official Contact Made Before CEO Was Declared Wanted

Chappal Energies has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of failing to follow due process before declaring its Chief Executive Officer, Ufoma Immanuel, wanted over alleged fraud, forgery, and obtaining money by false pretence.

The EFCC had, on Wednesday, issued a public notice declaring Immanuel wanted. However, in a statement on Thursday, the Nigerian-owned energy firm said the anti-graft agency did not attempt to reach its CEO through any official channel before making the declaration.

According to the company, Nigerian enforcement procedures require reasonable attempts at direct engagement before escalating matters publicly.
“To our knowledge, no attempt was made to engage Mr. Immanuel or the company through these channels prior to the issuance of the notice,” the statement said, adding that the move created “the unfortunate impression of a public escalation where standard procedures were readily available.”

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Chappal Energies noted that its official addresses, phone lines and electronic contacts are publicly available and easily accessible. It linked recent events to “coordinated pressures” tied to an ongoing civil dispute that culminated in a ruling by Justice J.E. Obanor of the Abuja High Court.

The firm highlighted that on September 11, an interlocutory injunction was issued restraining the EFCC and other respondents from inviting, questioning, arresting or detaining Immanuel or acting against Chappal Energies.
“This order remains in force,” the company said, adding that the new public notice—despite a binding court order—suggests “external actors seeking public spectacle and mischief rather than adherence to legal due process.”

Chappal Energies reiterated its respect for statutory institutions and expressed readiness to cooperate through proper legal channels. It also announced plans to pursue necessary legal action in response to the development.

The firm assured stakeholders that its operations remain stable and that management continues to focus on delivering long-term value to partners, regulators and clients.

Chappal Energies Faults EFCC, Says No Official Contact Made Before CEO Was Declared Wanted