IGP Team Clears Firm, Directors Of False Allegations

The Nigerian Police Force have exonerated Cabota Energy Services Limited and its directors from criminal allegations bordering on acts of terrorism, kidnapping, conspiracy and stealing brought against them by Fortunatus Osuagwu of Viagem Energy Services Limited.

The directors of the company cleared by the police are; Dr. Raymond Oluwaseyi Akintayo, Dr. Babafemi Oladipo Fagite and Engr. Charles Uche Obisike.

Osuagwu had petitioned the police alleging that Cabota Energy Services Limited and its directors engaged in acts of terrorism, kidnapping, criminal conversion, conspiracy against him and his company.

The allegations against Cabota Energy Services Limited and its directors by Osuagwu emanated from a lease transaction between the two companies.

However, after a thorough and diligent investigation, the police clearly established the dispute between the parties emanated from a contractual relationship and did not disclose any criminal conduct.

Specifically,  an interim report by the Police Monitoring Unit, dated February 25, 2026 and cited by our reporter reads: ” The allegations of obtaining under false pretence, attempted assassination, kidnapping and stealing lacks merit as there was no evidence to establish the alleged offences against the suspects.

“In view of the above facts, the case is entirely civil in nature as it emanated from a contractual agreement that never went through arbitration to determine any breach as contained in the lease agreement and parties have been advised to seek remedy in a civil court,” the police investigation report stated.

Consequently, the Police has taken appropriate corrective steps, including:Communicating with the Nigeria Immigration Service regarding the conclusion of investigation;Communicating with INTERPOL through the National Central Bureau (NCB); and Directing the removal (un-watchlisting) of the names of the affected directors from relevant watchlists.

Responding to the development, Cabota Energy Services Limited, in a statement, commended the professionalism, diligence, and commitment to justice displayed by the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the Office of the Inspector-General of Police and the IGP Monitoring Unit, in conducting a careful and impartial investigation beginning from when they voluntarily submitted themselves to the police findings.

The statement issued by its executive director, General Services; Dr Babafemi Oladipo Fagite, acknowledged that institutions of law enforcement must occasionally act on petitions, but it is the thoroughness of the investigative process and the courage to correct earlier impressions where facts so demand, that ultimately sustains public confidence in the justice system.

“In light of the above developments, the company wishes to state clearly that:Cabota Energy Services Limited remains a player in the Energy market, legitimate and reputable corporate entity engaged in lawful business operations.”

It lamented that series of mischievous publications and police gazette notices were circulated following a petition sponsored by one Fortunatus Osuagwu (a Facilitator that attempted severally to criminalize a civil generator lease transaction between Viagem Energy Services Ltd and Cabota Energy Services Ltd), in which the company and its directors were falsely portrayed in extremely grave terms, including baseless insinuations linking them to terrorism and other criminal activities.

From the outset, Cabota Energy Services Limited and its directors unequivocally denied these allegations, describing them as false, malicious, and part of a calculated campaign of calumny intended to weaponize law enforcement mechanisms in the context of a purely commercial dispute.

Immediately upon becoming aware of the publications, the company and its directors refuted the allegations in a press release in September 2025 and voluntarily submitted themselves to the relevant authorities of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit, in order to assist with a thorough investigation and to clear their names.

The directors provided detailed statements, documentary evidence and cooperated fully with investigators throughout the process.

Following a detailed, professional, and discreet investigation conducted by the Nigerian Police Force, the authorities have now formally determined that the allegations made against Cabota Energy Services Limited and its directors were unfounded.

Cabota Energy Services Limited is deeply concerned about the damage caused by the earlier false publications, which disrupted business engagements, strained commercial relationships, and caused reputational injury both within and outside Nigeria.

The company wishes to emphasize that deliberate misuse of criminal processes to pursue private commercial grievances is contrary to the rule of law and undermines public confidence in institutions.

While Cabota Energy Services Limited remains committed to resolving disputes within the bounds of the law, the company reserves all legal rights to seek appropriate remedies against any individual or entity responsible for the dissemination of false and defamatory allegations and for grossly misleading law enforcement agencies.