NNPC Accuses Mexican Firm Of Trying To Swindle $125m From FG

Mexican firm, SAMANO SA DE CV, is being dragged to the court by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as the Mexican company was accused of trying to swindle $125 million from the Federal Government. The faceoff between NNPC and SAMANO had started due to stolen crude oil.

SAMANO had reportedly alerted the Nigerian government to crude oil stolen from Nigeria by unknown individuals who hid the commodity in various ports and terminals in China. It was alleged that about 48 million barrels of stolen crude oil were sold by some officials in the Nigerian government and NNPC.

These individuals shared the proceeds after selling off the alleged stolen crude oil. In 2015, SAMANO had a discussion with the officials involved, Nairametrics reported. SAMANO's top officials, Marco Ramirez Ramirez and Jose Salazar Tinajero offered to buy the alleged stolen oil - which had been abandoned in China.

The offer was made after contacting senior officials of the Nigerian government, but after the information on the stolen crude oil was revealed, the crude oil was sold without the Mexican firm being carried along, neither was it paid 5% whistleblower compensation reportedly agreed to, SAMANO claimed.

Lords & Temple, a law firm claiming to be Solicitors to SAMANO SA DE CV., in a correspondence to NNPC revealed the events. The letter also stated that its alleged agreement with the Nigerian government officials and NNPC on the ‘whistleblower compensation’ for revealing information about an oil deal, was not fulfilled.

NNPC Accuses SAMANO Of False Information

Through the Counsel to the NNPC, Afe Babalola & Co., the state-owned oil company claimed SAMANO caused injury to the NNPC and its officials with several falsehoods. It also stated that the Mexican company tried to swindle the government of $125 million

It was revealed that NNPC is seeking redress “for the injury to the Corporation and its officials through series of falsehoods peddled by SAMANO and its agents.” a statement from Afe Babalola & Co disclosed. Also, the NNPC tweeted on Twitter that, it will "sue Mexican firm over alleged stolen 48m barrels of crude."