The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued stern warnings to the Managing Directors of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Access Bank Plc, and Zenith Bank Plc, cautioning that they may face imprisonment for allegedly disregarding an existing court order, according to a report by Very Nigerian.
The warning came through a series of Form 48 “Notices of Consequences of Disobedience to Court Order,” issued in connection with an interim directive made on November 6, 2025, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2369/2025. The case centers on a major dispute involving an onshore oil asset and the FSO Ugo Ocha, tied to interests in the OML 42 Joint Venture, where the Federal Government holds a 55% stake.
Form 48 notices dated November 13, 2025, were served on the Managing Director of First Bank at both its Lagos Marina headquarters and its Abuja main branch on Muhammadu Buhari Way. The notices reminded the banks of the court’s directive ordering all parties to maintain the status quo, warning that noncompliance could amount to contempt of court.
Attached to the notices was the original order, which stated that while the request for an interim injunction was declined, all parties must maintain the current position as of November 6, 2025, and refrain from dealing with the subject matter of the suit until the motion for interlocutory injunction is heard. The motion is to be served on the defendants before the next court date.
The suit was filed by Neconde Energy Limited, White Dove Shipping Company Limited, and others against First Bank, Access Bank, and five additional defendants. The issuance of Form 48 represents the first step in contempt proceedings, signaling that further violations could escalate the matter.
The notices, served between November 7 and 13, 2025, emphasized that any action taken contrary to the court’s preservation order would be treated as contempt. The motion for interlocutory injunction is scheduled for hearing on December 4, 2025, and the court has warned that any breach before then will attract serious legal consequences.
