Sulu-Gambari Faces Contempt Notice Over Court Defiance

Abubakar Sulu-Gambari, SAN, has been served a contempt notice following his alleged defiance of a Federal High Court Abuja order issued on December 1, 2025, in suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/2534/2025.

The court had directed parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a motion. Despite this order, Sulu-Gambari continued to act as the receiver for Nestoil, issuing multiple public press releases on June 3 and June 4, 2026, asserting his position and warning the public against dealings with certain individuals.

The Supreme Court's judgment on June 1, 2026, set aside an ex parte order from the Court of Appeal dated November 27, 2025, which had favored Sulu-Gambari. Legal analysts have expressed that his actions could be seen as a deliberate challenge to the court's authority, potentially leading to severe consequences, including imprisonment or heavy fines, if the contempt proceedings proceed.