Dirty Fuel Claims: Matrix Energy Slams N20b Suit On BusinessDay, TheCable, Others

AISHA ABUBAKAR

Matrix Energy Limited has filed a N20 billion law suit in the Federal Capital Territory High Court against BusinessDay and The Cable over the claims that the indigenous oil company allegedly imported substandard petroleum products, which it claims are damaging to its reputation and business operations.

In the legal documents, Matrix Energy and its CEO, Abdulkadir Adisa Aliu, vehemently deny any collusion with Nigeria’s economic adversaries to import adulterated or low-quality fuel.

The company has refuted claims made in reports that it has been importing substandard petrol, particularly from Malta, and asserts that its products comply with all regulatory standards.

On August 17, 2024, Ibrahim Akinola, a spokesperson for Matrix Energy, responded to accusations published by the two media outlets and other online platforms, which suggested that the company was involved in illicit activities related to petroleum imports from Malta.

The controversy gained traction after Aliko Dangote, CEO of Dangote Refinery, alleged that some oil operators and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation officials were using blending plants in Malta to import substandard fuel into Nigeria.

NNPC Group CEO Mele Kyari has since denied any such involvement, stating unequivocally that neither he nor the corporation operates a refinery or blending plant in Malta.

Kyari has vowed to pursue legal action against any NNPC staff found to be involved in such activities.

Matrix Energy’s lawsuit, filed on August 21, 2024, demands a retraction of the alleged libellous reports and seeks over N10 billion in damages.

Also joined in the matter with suit number CV/3718/2024 and CV/3719/2024 are the authors of the alleged offensive reports; Olalekan Fakoyejo and Abubakar Ibrahim.

The company’s legal representative, Ahmed Raji SAN, contends that the media organizations in question published the reports maliciously and without factual basis.

Raji further highlighted that Matrix Energy, as a member of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council, is committed to upholding the highest standards in its operations and legal conduct.

In a statement, Matrix Energy defended its right to source products globally, asserting that it adheres to Nigerian and international laws.

“Our CEO, Abdulkabir Adisa, is entitled to trade freely and associate as he deems fit. We are committed to providing quality products and are not aware of any ban on importing legitimate products,” the company said.

The sudden increase in Nigeria’s petroleum imports from Malta —reaching $2.8 billion in 2023— has sparked concerns and scrutiny, especially given the absence of such imports in the previous years.

The court will now review the evidence presented and determine the validity of the claims against the media organizations, balancing the interests of justice with the freedom of the press.

Aliko Dangote’s allegations about blending plants in Malta have been met with firm denials from Mele Kyari, who insists that neither he nor the NNPC has any business operations in Malta.

The court proceedings will examine the accusations and counterclaims to determine the appropriate legal course.