Supreme Court Upholds Fair Hearing in Nestoil Case

On January 13, 2026, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a significant ruling in the $1.3 billion litigation involving Nestoil and Neconde against FBN. The court struck down the appointment of receivers, which had been challenged as a tactic undermining fair hearing rights.

Justices Yargata Nimpar, Polycarp Terna Kwahar, Danlami Zama Senchi, and Moham Baba Idris unanimously held that the Court of Appeal had erred in disqualifying legal counsel appointed by Neconde and Nestoil. The Supreme Court emphasized that the right to choose legal representation is fundamental and enshrined in Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.

The ruling rejected the notion that receivership could be used to silence opposition and affirmed that no party should manipulate legal processes to dominate or oppress others. This landmark decision aims to restore balance in legal representation and uphold the principles of justice in Nigeria.