The Centre for Accountability and Transparency, an anti-corruption group, has called on Matrix Energy Limited to reconsider its alleged attempts to suppress media reports concerning accusations of substandard petrol importation into Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement by CAAT’s Convener, Okwa Dan on Wednesday, where he accused Matrix Energy of trying to intimidate media organizations that have published stories about the company’s alleged business practices, according to Nairametrics.
This follows Matrix Energy’s lawsuit filed at a Federal Capital Territory High Court, where the company seeks to prevent two media outlets and others from further publishing what it claims are defamatory reports about its oil shipping operations.
Matrix and its CEO, Abdulkadir Adisa Aliu, in their court filings, denied any “involvement in colluding with Nigeria’s economic enemies to import adulterated, substandard, or low-quality petroleum products into the country,” as reported by some media houses.
They had earlier responded to reports accusing them of importing substandard petrol into Nigeria, particularly from Malta, insisting that their products meet the required guidelines.
It was previously reported that, the CEO of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote had recently accused certain oil operators of colluding with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to operate an illegal blending plant in Malta.
According to Dangote, this facility is being used to import substandard petroleum products into Nigeria.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Mele Kyari, has however denied any involvement in owning or operating a refinery in Malta.
Aside from its rebuttal, Matrix has approached the FCT High Court seeking declaratory reliefs (dated August 21, 2024) against certain publications, including a “retraction” of the reports and over N10 billion in “damages.
The lawyer representing Matrix Energy Limited, Ahmed Raji SAN, has urged the court to rule that the media organizations “falsely and maliciously published” reports against his clients.
He emphasized that his clients are members of an elite group of prominent Nigerians dedicated to developing sustainable strategies to enhance the nation’s economic governance and ensure effective and coordinated economic planning and implementation.
Commenting on the development, Dan stated that Section 22 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) stipulates that;
“The press, radio, television, and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.”
He argued that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every person the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information without interference.
He further asserted that since government institutions are involved in the oil business, media houses have a responsibility to report on these activities and hold the government accountable at all levels.
“We are, therefore, telling Matrix Energy Limited that its attempt to use the courts to gag the media is an exercise in futility.
“As Nigerians, we will do all that we must to obtain information about issues that affect us, such as contaminated petrol that causes economic ruin, environmental damage, and health hazards. Matrix Energy Limited cannot suppress this,” Dan alleged.
CAAT has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in economic sabotage and violations of international sanctions related to certain crude oil.
“We further invite the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate Matrix Energy Limited,” it added.
