Chinwendu Obienyi
The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has adjourned the hearing case between the Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc, Adewale Tinubu, and his Deputy, Omamofe Boyo, on one hand, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), on the other, till June 24.
In a notice filed with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday, Oando said the court directed that the respondents’ preliminary objection and the substantive application for enforcement of fundamental rights should be taken together at the next adjourned date.
“Consequently, the Court adjourned to 24th June, 2019. The Court ruled that all parties involved are to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the motion,” it said,
On May 31, SEC had ordered Tinubu and other affected board members to resign. But the company said the alleged infractions and penalties were unsubstantiated, ultra vires, invalid and calculated to prejudice the business of the company.
The oil firm explained that it had not been given the opportunity to see, review and respond to the forensic audit report and so was unable to ascertain what findings (if any) were made in relation to the alleged infractions and defend itself accordingly before SEC.
The apex capital market regulator announced on June 2 that it had set up an interim management team to oversee the affairs of the company and conduct an extraordinary general meeting on or before July 1, 2019, to appoint new directors who would subsequently select a management team for the company.
However, the Federal High Court in Lagos granted an interim injunction on June 3 following an application by Oando’s Group CEO and his deputy, restraining SEC from executing the sanctions.
In a ruling by Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, the Federal High Court barred SEC from giving effect to the decision pending the determination of a suit filed by Tinubu and Boyo.