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By Adewale Sanyaolu
M.J. Numa & Partners LLP, legal counsel to Wilson Opuwei, has cautioned against recent media publications (not Daily Sun) attributed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which has created misleading and prejudicial impressions regarding Opuwei’s professional integrity and the true legal character of a matter currently pending before a court of competent jurisdiction.
A statement signed by Michael Johnthan Numa, SAN, on behalf of M.J. Numa & Partners LLP, explained that, the Lagos High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice L. A. Akapo (as he then was, prior to his elevation to the Court of Appeal), had made a clear, reasoned, and unequivocal finding that the subject matter of the dispute in the Suit No: LD/62455GCMW/2024 in Prince Donatus Okonkwo v. Wilson Opuwei & Dateline Energy Services Limited, is purely civil in nature which borders on a claim for money received, and does not invlove any criminal offence whatsoever.
“This matter has been judicially determined to be civil in character, and not criminal in nature, and it is imperative that public discourse aligns with the clear and subsisting ruling of the Court rather than speculative or sensational narratives,” said Numa of M.J. Numa & Partners LLP
The judicial pronouncement affirms a settled and fundamental principle of law: that disputes arising from commercial engagements, investment arrangements, or stalled business transactions are properly resolved through civil adjudication and commercial remedies—not criminal enforcement mechanisms,’’.
The statement added further that Opuwei presently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Dateline Energy Services Limited (DESL) and holds directorship positions across a group of affiliated entities actively engaged in strategic energy development initiatives within Nigeria’s hydrocarbons and infrastructure sectors.
“Despite the subsisting judicial determination on its civil character, certain media publications have emerged attributing its source to EFCC and portraying the matter as involving fraud or criminal wrongdoing.
Our client has unwavering confidence in the integrity of the judicial process and will continue to submit himself fully to the authority of the Court, while cautioning against any form of trial by media that risks undermining investor confidence and the rule of law, ”Numa cautioned.
According to the counsel, these publications are materially inconsistent with the ruling of the Court and raises serious concerns regarding the growing and dangerous phenomenon of trial by media.
He explained that, such reporting, when issued during the pendency of active judicial proceedings, is capable of undermining the authority and dignity of the Court, prejudicing the right of the parties to a fair, impartial, and independent adjudication, creating public narratives different from judicial fact or legal determination.
“Opuwei had at all times conducted himself in strict deference to the rule of law. He has voluntarily submitted himself to the jurisdiction of the Court, participated fully in the judicial process, and remains firmly committed to resolving all issues arising from the transaction through lawful, transparent, and constitutionally protected means.
He lamented that, at a critical moment when Opuwei and Dateline Energy Services Limited are approaching Final Investment Decisions (FID) on new and strategic energy investments in Nigeria, the publication of unsubstantiated allegations framed with criminal coloration carries implications far beyond reputational harm as it risks creating adverse investor optics, undermining market confidence, and projecting uncertainty into Nigeria’s broader energy and investment ecosystem.
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