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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Nigerian Police Force has described the criminal allegations made against Cabota Energy Services Limited and its Directors by Fortunatus Osuagwu of Viagem Energy Company as false and unsubstantiated.
Osuagwu had in a petition to the police accused Cabota Energy Services Limited and its directors of engaging in criminal acts bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, conspiracy and stealing.
The directors of the company cleared by the police are: Dr. Raymond Oluwaseyi Akintayo, Dr. Babafemi Oladipo Fagite and Engr. Charles Uche Obisike.
However, after a thorough and diligent investigation, the police clearly established the dispute between the parties emanated from a contractual relationship and did not disclose any criminal conduct.
Specifically, an interim report by the Police Monitoring Unit dated February 25, 2026 and sighted by our reporter reads: “The allegations of obtaining under false pretense, attempted assassination, kidnapping and stealing lack merit as there was no evidence to establish the alleged offences against the suspects.
“In view of the above facts, the case is entirely civil in nature as it emanated from a contractual agreement that never went through arbitration to determine any breach as contained in the lease agreement and parties have been advised to seek remedy in a civil court,” the police investigation report stated.
Consequently, the Police has taken appropriate corrective steps, including, communicating with the Nigeria Immigration Service regarding the conclusion of investigation; communicating with INTERPOL through the National Central Bureau (NCB); and directing the removal (un-watchlisting) of the names of the affected Directors from relevant watchlists.
Responding to the development, Cabota Energy Services Limited, in a statement, commended the professionalism, diligence, and commitment to justice displayed by the Nigerian Police Force, particularly the Office of the Inspector-General of Police and the IGP Monitoring Unit, in conducting a careful and impartial investigation beginning from when they voluntarily submitted themselves to the police findings.
The statement issued by its Executive Director, General Services, Dr Babafemi Oladipo Fagite, acknowledged that institutions of law enforcement must occasionally act on petitions, but it is the thoroughness of the investigative process and the courage to correct earlier impressions where facts so demand, that ultimately sustains public confidence in the justice system.
“In light of the above developments, the company wishes to state clearly that Cabota Energy Services Limited remains a player in the energy market, a legitimate and reputable corporate entity engaged in lawful business operations,” the firm said.
