by Lekan Olanrewaju

The newly released report on the Mallam Farouk Lawan led House of Reps probe on the fuel subsidy scam incriminated several parties including 18 oil companies of mismanaging substantial amounts of fuel subsidy.

The companies, which include Mobil Oil Nigeria, CAH Resources Association Limited,  Crust Energy Limited, Stonebridge Oil Limited,  Petrotrade, Lucky Energy, Rocky Energy, Lottoj Oil, Oakfield Synergy Network Limited, among several others were accused of mismanaging, and asked to refund N41 billion.

The companies have now fired back, threatening to sue the House of Reps for damages, claiming they were not given a fair trial before being indicted.

Counsel for the firms, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), speaking to The Punch, stated that the companies had reached out to him and would be seeking N100 billion from the House.

“Most of these oil firms were never invited by the House Ad Hoc Committee but they were indicted” he said, adding that they would “sue and claim over N100 billion in damages”

“The oil firms have reached out to me.” he continued. “Although,  I am against corruption and I believe  that those who mismanaged the oil sector should be dealt with, I also believe there must be fairness and justice.”

“I am not only a lawyer, I am also a human rights activist. I have suffered 11 detentions in the country. Even God gave Adam and Eve fair hearing in the Garden of Eden. These companies were neither invited nor interacted with in any manner.”