FirstBank has filed an appeal against a Federal High Court ruling that classified its claim as a simple debt recovery case rather than a maritime claim.
The bank expressed shock over the court’s decision, emphasizing that its request was to prevent the fraudulent sale of crude oil aboard the FPSO Tamara Tokoni.
The court also ruled that the arrest order on the cargo had expired after 14 days due to its ex parte nature. In response, FirstBank not only appealed the decision but also filed for an injunction against GHL, pending the appeal’s outcome.
The bank confirmed that the crude oil cargo remains under arrest.
While reaffirming its respect for the judiciary, FirstBank described the ruling as a miscarriage of justice and vowed to continue its legal battle to protect its interests against debtors attempting to evade their obligations.
Read below FirstBank’s corporate statement on the court ruling
INJUNCTION AND STAY OF EXECUTION: CARGO REMAINS UNDER ARREST
In a surprising twist of events, its decision delivered today, the Federal High Court in a surprising shift from the true nature of FirstBank ’s claim held that the matter is not a maritime claim but rather, a simple case of debt recovery. This is quite surprising considering the fact that the order sought is to prevent further fraudulent sale of crude on the FPSO.
Shockingly, the court also held that the Arrest Order against the cargo, because it was exparte in nature, expired by effluxion of time within 14 days of its issuance.
Aggrieved by the decision, FirstBank lodged an appeal against the decision of the FHC. Also, FirstBank filed an application for an injunction of the court against GHL, pending the determination of the appeal. The Cargoes of Crude Oil on the FPSO TAMARA TOKONI remain arrested.
While FirstBank has great respect for the courts, it strongly disagrees with the ruling, which, in our view, constitutes a miscarriage of justice.
FirstBank remains committed to protecting and securing the interest of its members and will relentlessly pursue justice against mischievous debtors seeking to use the machinery of the law to perpetuate mischief and evade their responsibility to offset outstanding obligations
