Copyright thenationonlineng
Nestoil Limited has dismissed as false and malicious what it described as “defamatory and unsubstantiated claims” being circulated by certain online platforms and individuals masquerading as freelance journalists. In a statement issued by its Corporate Communications Department, the indigenous oil and gas company emphasized that the allegations — including insinuations of bribery and judicial interference — are “entirely baseless, malicious, and orchestrated to mislead the public.” “At no point has Nestoil undermined justice or influenced public or judicial officers through unethical means. We have always, and will always, adhere to due process and the rule of law,” the company stated. Nestoil categorically rejected any suggestion that it or its representatives have ever engaged in improper payments or attempted to subvert the judicial process, describing such claims as “completely unfounded.” Addressing what it called the deliberate misrepresentation of ongoing legal proceedings involving entities associated with First Bank of Nigeria (FBN), Nestoil explained that an ex-parte order was obtained against the company, its affiliate Neconde Energy Limited, and some executives without prior notice or participation from them. The company said this temporary order has since been exploited to create a false public impression of a takeover. Nestoil further noted that the FBN entities had gone beyond the intent of the order by allegedly vandalizing third-party assets and sponsoring misleading reports — actions it described as a “blatant disregard for the judicial process” and part of a wider campaign to weaponize misinformation. The company reaffirmed that it has taken appropriate legal steps to refute the claims and defend its reputation in court, maintaining that its conduct has remained lawful and transparent. “These actions and the related false narratives are not only unjust but also lack any legal or factual basis,” Nestoil said. Warning against the dangers of misinformation, the company urged the media, stakeholders, and the public to rely on verified sources and disregard sensational or anonymous publications, noting that such falsehoods undermine public trust in both the judiciary and corporate governance. Reiterating its readiness to defend its integrity, Nestoil said it would pursue all available legal remedies against individuals or organizations that persist in publishing or amplifying defamatory materials. The company reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices, stressing that its operations have always been guided by respect for the law and the communities it serves. “Nestoil is, and has always been, guided by an unyielding commitment to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical business conduct,” the statement concluded. “We will continue to operate within all applicable legal and regulatory frameworks and defend our reputation through lawful means.”
