The Niger-Delta Civil Advocacy Group (NDCAG) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the continued detention and prosecution of the Managing Director of Chappal Energies, Mr. Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, over a dispute arising from commercial investment arrangements.

In a formal protest dated September 1, 2026, the group said the dispute involving Immanuel and businessman, Adebisi Adebutu, relates to investments involving Chappal Energies Mauritius Limited, Intermediate and Investment Holdings Limited and R28 Limited, linked to the acquisition of Equinor Nigeria’s assets.

NDCAG said the issues in contention include shareholding arrangements, subscription rights, investment obligations, financing and other corporate interests, arguing that the parties should be allowed to resolve the commercial aspects through appropriate legal channels.

The group cited a 2025 suit before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, which it said resulted in an interlocutory order concerning the arrest, detention and prosecution of Immanuel in connection with the disputed transactions.

It also referred to a February 10, 2026 judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos, which it said found the EFCC’s publication declaring Immanuel wanted unjustified, ordered its retraction and awarded N5 million in damages.

NDCAG urged the authorities to consider the implications of the judicial decisions and any other applicable court orders in determining the legality of Immanuel’s continued detention and prosecution.

The group said Immanuel voluntarily honoured an invitation from the Department of State Services on March 3, 2026, and later complied with a court order requiring him to surrender his Nigerian and British passports to the EFCC.

It said his bail was revoked on May 7, 2026, reportedly over concerns about his availability and possible interference with the investigation, but questioned whether continued detention remained necessary in view of the conditions already imposed on him.

NDCAG also raised concerns over allegations arising from the dispute, including claims of threats against Immanuel, but stressed that such allegations had not been independently established and should be investigated by the appropriate authorities.

The group urged the Nigeria Police Force and DSS to investigate any reported threats against Immanuel and members of his family, while also calling for appropriate medical care for him during his detention.

It appealed to Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to review the case, particularly whether the prosecution and detention remain consistent with applicable laws, judicial decisions and existing court orders.

NDCAG said its intervention was not intended to interfere with judicial independence, but to promote due process and protection of fundamental rights, urging all parties to allow the courts and other competent institutions to determine the commercial and criminal issues on the basis of evidence and the law.