Contempt proceedings have reportedly been initiated against Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Abubakar Sulu-Gambari, over alleged violations of a subsisting Federal High Court order relating to his role as receiver/manager in ongoing corporate disputes.
According to court documents, the Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier issued an order on 1 December 2025 directing all parties in the matter to maintain the status quo pending determination of motions on notice, while suspending the exercise of any powers by the affected receiver.
Despite this directive, it is alleged that Sulu-Gambari continued to act in the capacity of receiver/manager by issuing public statements in June 2026, asserting his authority over Nestoil Limited and Neconde Energy Limited and warning the public against engaging with other parties.
The contempt notices, reportedly served on him in his office, claim that his actions amounted to a willful disregard of the court’s order and a challenge to the authority of the judiciary.
The filings further reference recent Supreme Court decisions delivered in April and June 2026, which set aside earlier appellate orders that had supported his position and reinforced that his authority remained subject to ongoing judicial scrutiny at the Federal High Court.
Legal filings cite the Form 48 Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Court Order, issued under relevant enforcement laws, warning of penalties for continued non-compliance, including possible custodial sanctions.
Court observers note that the central issue in the dispute is whether the receiver retains legal authority to act while substantive proceedings remain pending before the court.
Legal analysts say the matter raises serious questions about compliance with court directives, stressing that disregard of judicial orders undermines the rule of law and the authority of the courts.
The case remains before the Federal High Court as proceedings continue.
