NNPC Announces Court Victory in Ararume Case, Says It Escaped N5bn Damages

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) recently announced a court victory in the case brought against it by former federal lawmaker Senator Ifeayin Ararume. The case stemmed from Ararume's abrupt removal as Chairman of NNPC in January 2022, following his appointment in September 2021.

Ararume sought nullification of his removal, reinstatement, and a hefty N100 billion in damages, claiming the decision was arbitrary and violated the Petroleum Industry Act. However, on April 18, 2023, Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled in favor of Ararume, declaring his ouster unlawful and awarding him N5 billion in damages.

The NNPC appealed this decision, arguing that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction and the damages were excessive. The Court of Appeal Abuja Division upheld NNPC's appeal on August 8, 2025, annulling Ararume's removal and sparing NNPC from a massive financial payout.

NNPC stated.