Chappal Energies has said its operations remain uninterrupted as its leadership stays focused on long-term commitments to partners, regulators and stakeholders.
The company stated this in a response to a public notice issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declaring its managing director, Ufoma Immanuel, wanted.
Chappal Energies said enforcement actions under Nigerian law are guided by procedures that require attempts at direct engagement through official channels before any warrant is issued or acted upon.
“To our knowledge, no attempt was made to engage Mr Immanuel or the Company through these channels prior to the issuance of the notice, which creates the impression of a public escalation where standard procedures were readily available,” the statement said.
The company said it refutes all allegations cited by the EFCC, adding that the claims contradict facts before the court.
It added that Mr Immanuel and the company remain reachable through official addresses, phone lines and electronic contacts and that the firm and its directors have faced pressures linked to an ongoing civil dispute.
Chappal Energies cited an order granted on 11 September by Justice J.E. Obanor of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, restraining the EFCC and others from inviting, questioning, arresting or detaining Immanuel or taking action against the company.
It said the order remains in force.
According to the company, the circumstances surrounding the EFCC’s notice create the impression of external actors seeking public attention rather than adherence to due process.
Chappal Energies said it respects the roles of statutory institutions and remains committed to cooperating with authorities through legal channels.
It added that it will pursue available avenues to challenge the allegations.
The EFCC had earlier declared Immanuel wanted for an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence and forgery.
The commission issued a public notice on Wednesday seeking information on his whereabouts.
According to the notice, Immanuel, 46, is from Edo State and his last known address is 77 Nelson Mandela Street, Maitama, Abuja.
The EFCC asked anyone with information to contact its offices across the country or reach the commission through its hotline or email.
Ufoma Immanuel was appointed managing director of Chappal Petroleum Development Company in January 2021.
The company is involved in ESG-driven and energy-independent operations and develops brownfield upstream assets in the Niger Delta.
He is one of the founding partners of Chappal and previously served as head of corporate finance and strategy at Eroton Exploration and Production.
In September, an $860 million divestment by TotalEnergies to Chappal Energies did not go through after the company failed to meet financial obligations.
