Niger Delta Group Demands Release of Chappal Energies MD

The Niger Delta Civil Advocacy Group (NDCAG) has called for the immediate release of Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, the managing director of Chappal Energies, and an independent review of his ongoing detention and prosecution. In a protest letter dated September 1, 2026, addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NDCAG claims that a private commercial dispute involving Immanuel and businessman Adebisi Adebutu has been improperly escalated to a criminal matter.

The dispute relates to investment arrangements involving Chappal Energies Mauritius Limited and others, concerning the acquisition of Equinor Nigeria’s assets. NDCAG cites two court cases, including a 2025 Federal Capital Territory High Court ruling that restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from prosecuting Immanuel, and a February 10, 2026, Federal High Court judgment that deemed the EFCC's declaration of Immanuel as wanted unjustified.

The group also raised concerns about Adebutu's influence over state institutions and the potential commercial benefits of Immanuel's absence from management.