Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Joe Kyari Gadzama has publicly repudiated claims linking him to an alleged mediation involving the lifting of a court-ordered restriction on corporate filings related to Oil Mining Lease 40 (OML 40) at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). In a strongly worded statement issued on December 16, 2025, Gadzama described the circulating reports as defamatory and entirely false, affirming that he had no participation, direct or indirect, in the disputed matter. The controversy has drawn heightened public attention to governance and legal propriety within Nigeria’s corporate regulatory framework.
Gadzama’s statement, released in response to media publications suggesting his involvement through a purported intermediary, categorically denied the allegations and condemned what he termed malicious reporting. He stressed that he was not engaged in any form of mediation concerning the CAC’s actions on OML 40 filings, nor did he authorize any associate to act on his behalf in that context. The senior lawyer, who has nearly four decades of legal practice, underscored his commitment to integrity, transparency and strict adherence to the rule of law as foundational principles guiding his professional conduct.
The allegations first surfaced in media reports that claimed the Registrar-General of the CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, quietly lifted a court-ordered restriction on corporate filings associated with OML 40 shortly after assuming office. The restriction, originally imposed during internal disputes in 2023, reportedly prevented certain corporate actions, such as board changes or regulatory filings, from being processed at the Commission. Sources familiar with the situation alleged that the restriction was reversed without public disclosure or explanation, sparking speculation and criticism from stakeholders and observers.
OML 40 is a significant hydrocarbon asset in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. It is operated by a joint venture involving Elcrest Exploration and Production Company Limited and the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Within Elcrest, Starcrest Nigeria Energy Limited and Seplat Energy Plc hold interests, positioning OML 40 as a major contributor to local energy production and commercial activity. Corporate records indicate that Starcrest controls a majority stake in Elcrest, with Seplat — through its subsidiary — holding the remainder.
Gadzama refuted any association with the allegations, emphasizing that the suggestion of mediation through a linked individual was a fabrication devoid of credible evidence. He highlighted that the reports failed to mention the name of any purported intermediary allegedly connected to him, undermining the credibility of the claims. As a former Chairman of the Body of Benchers Mentorship Committee, a role he noted carries significant moral authority and public trust, Gadzama said it would be inconceivable for him to be involved in actions that compromise a court order or the integrity of a statutory institution like the CAC.
In addition to issuing his denial, Gadzama announced that he had served cease-and-desist notices to the media outlets that published the reports, demanding immediate retractions and public apologies. He also indicated that he was contemplating legal action for aggravated defamation to protect his reputation. The senior counsel urged relevant anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to investigate the underlying allegations against the CAC Registrar-General objectively and ensure that any proven wrongdoing is addressed in accordance with the law.
The dispute over OML 40 corporate filings reflects broader concerns within Nigeria’s regulatory and governance spaces about procedural transparency and adherence to judicial orders. Critics argue that administrative actions taken by regulatory agencies in sensitive corporate matters should be conducted openly and in strict compliance with legal constraints, particularly when court directives are involved. The absence of detailed public justifications for the CAC’s actions in this case has fueled suspicion and demands for accountability from various quarters.
Legal analysts have noted that the CAC, as the principal regulator of corporate affairs in Nigeria, plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of commercial records and ensuring that corporate actions comply with statutory and judicial requirements. Any perception that the Commission’s processes are subject to undue influence or lack transparency could undermine investor confidence and raise questions about Nigeria’s regulatory environment. Observers also point out that the handling of high-profile corporate disputes, such as those involving OML 40, carries implications for the country’s broader economic and legal landscape.
Beyond the OML 40 matter, the CAC has been under scrutiny in recent months in other corporate disputes. For instance, separate legal challenges and petitions have emerged regarding the Commission’s reversal of corporate records in unrelated cases, prompting firms and investors to appeal to government authorities for intervention and review of CAC actions. These developments underscore the delicate balance between administrative authority and judicial oversight in Nigeria’s corporate governance framework.
In his statement, Gadzama reiterated that he has dedicated his career to upholding the highest standards of the legal profession and that his reputation is of paramount importance. He urged members of the public to disregard the unfounded allegations and to focus instead on ensuring that any legitimate issues concerning corporate governance and regulatory compliance are addressed through proper legal channels. The senior advocate’s response signals a broader insistence on due process and accountability in public discourse, particularly when accusations touch on professional integrity and public confidence.
As the controversy continues to unfold, stakeholders across Nigeria’s legal, business and civil society sectors will likely monitor further developments closely. The interplay between legal denials, regulatory actions and media reporting in this case illustrates the complexities inherent in navigating corporate governance issues within Nigeria’s evolving legal and institutional environment. Gadzama’s emphatic denial and potential legal recourse may mark the beginning of a prolonged public debate over the facts and the manner in which influential figures and institutions are portrayed in the media.
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