Nigeria: 150,000 Tonnes of Crude Behind $1.6m, N1.3bn Court Claim

A Port Harcourt court has restricted three firms’ assets over a payment dispute tied to crude oil storage and offshore logistics services.

A dispute over the storage of 150,000 metric tonnes of crude oil has led to a Federal High Court order restricting three energy and logistics firms from accessing certain funds and assets.

The crude was stored aboard Barge MICLYN 301 during operations at Cawthorne Channel 2 within Oil Mining Lease 18 (OML 18), in Port Harcourt coastal waters, Rivers State.

Gimbrowns Marine Security Oil and Gas Limited told the court that charges linked to the crude storage and related services had not been paid.

The company is claiming $1.602 million and N1.314 billion from Kofa Energy Limited, Redstar Oil & Gas Limited and Halkoff Logistics International Limited.

What the crude storage involved

The dispute covers services connected with the charter, storage and handling of the crude oil aboard Barge MICLYN 301.

Gimbrowns also alleged that the three companies failed to meet payment obligations for maritime and security logistics services provided in the Niger Delta offshore sector.

The operations took place at Cawthorne Channel 2, within OML 18, in the coastal waters around Port Harcourt.

The company brought the case before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt under Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/163/2026.

Court freezes assets

Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam, in a ruling delivered on September 23, 2026, restricted the three companies from withdrawing, transferring or disposing of funds and other assets up to the value of the claims.

The order covers $1,602,000 and N1,314,470,000.

It also covers movable and immovable assets, including company shares held through financial institutions.

Commercial banks within the court's jurisdiction were directed to disclose the exact balances in the companies' accounts within seven days of receiving the order.

The disclosure must be made on oath.

Gimbrowns' claim is tied directly to services provided around the 150,000 tonnes of crude stored on Barge MICLYN 301.

The company asked the court to preserve the subject of the case pending determination of its motion on notice.

The order prevents the three firms from dealing with, selling, transferring or otherwise disposing of the affected assets until further orders from the court.