Alleged $101m Debt: Absence Of Orjiakor’s Lawyer, Stalls Hearing On Access Bank’s Bankruptcy Suit

Further hearing in the bankruptcy suit filed by Access Bank Plc against Nigeria businessman, Dr. Ambrosie Bryant Chukwueloka Orjiakor, over alleged debt of $101 million USD debt, before a Federal High Court, was stalled today, due to the absence of his lawyer.

Access Bank Plc through his lawyer, Kunle Ogunba (SAN) had instituted the bankruptcy suit against Dr. Orjiakor and his companies over the alleged unpaid debt.

The companies in the suit numbered FHC/L/BK/08/2023 are: Seplat Eniergy Plc; Helko Nigeria Limited; Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc; Salvic Petroleum Resources Limited; Zebbra Energy Limited; Ordrec Group Limited; Helko Marine Services Limited; Berwick Nigeria Limited; Abbeycourt Petroleum Company Limited; Abbeycourt Energy Services Limited; Abbeycourt Company Limited and Pursley Resources Limited.

The court at the last adjourned date, fixed today, for report of settlement or further proceedings.

However, when the matter came up today for hearing, Mr. Ogunba, SAN leading Obinna A. Divine and O. Taiwo Ogunba, appeared for the Creditor, Access Bank Plc, while there was no legal representation for the alleged debtor, A. B. C. Orjiakor.

However, while Oluseyi Olukoga appeared GT Bank, Toheeb Ipaye appeared for the second to fourth and seventh to 12 respondents; O. Agoola leading Mariam O, for first respondent, ⁠Babatunde Olanipekun leading Yinka Abass and Wonu Ademuson appeared for Zenith Bank, while E. Akpodovo appeared for Providus Bank.

Addressing the court, Access Bank’s counsel, Ogunba (SAN) informed the court that the matter was slated for report of settlement and/or hearing, but the business of the day could not proceed due to the absence of the debtor’s counsel in court.

However, the presiding judge, Justice Dipeolu adjourned the matter to give the Debtor’s counsel the opportunity to attend court.

Thereafter, the matter was adjourned to December 12, for report of settlement and/or further proceedings.

It would be recall that the judgment creditor, Access Bank Plc through its lawyer, Mr. Ogunba (SAN) had sometimes in August 2023, obtained an Exparte order freezing all the bank accounts and assets belonging to Dr. ABC Orjiakor, over alleged indebted to the bank.

Justice Nicholas Oweibo who presided over the court, also restrained Orjiakor, his agents, servants and/or privies or any other person or group of persons whatsoever under his authority or any other authority from operating, withdrawing from or otherwise tampering and/or dealing with his funds in any bank and/or financial institution within Nigeria, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for the appointment of a Special Manager of the companies listed in the suit.

However, on November 30, parties through their respective counsel, informed the court of move to settle the alleged debt.

But Access Bank’s lawyer, Ogunba (SAN) told the court that the alleged debtor is not serious with the settlement; that the matter has been adjourned severally since February, 2024 with the aim of giving room for settlement.

He also added that it appears the debtor is playing as he has not offered or proposed any tangible amount towards the settlement.