A civil society organisation, Welfare Development Initiative, has filed a suit before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, seeking the immediate suspension of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).

In suit number FCT/HC/GWA/CV/299/2026, filed on October 15, 2026, by counsel Samuel Yaro Momoh, the group accused PINL of providing cover for illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta despite receiving substantial payments from the Federal Government.

The suit names PINL, its Managing Director, Osahon Okunbor, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the House of Representatives as defendants.

Brought via a motion ex parte under Order 42 of the FCT High Court Rules 2025 and Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, the claimant seeks interim orders suspending the contract pending the determination of its motion on notice.

In an 18-paragraph supporting affidavit, an economist, Amarachi Orji, alleged that PINL has engaged in financial mismanagement, gross ineffectiveness, and economic sabotage.

She also alleged personal aggrandisement and living above legitimate means by Okunbor.

The claimant prayed the court to interimpose an interim suspension on the pipeline surveillance contract; direct the EFCC, ICPC, and Police to investigate PINL and its MD regarding alleged money laundering and contract operations; order a full audit of all business dealings between PINL and NNPCL; and restrain relevant authorities from renewing or re-awarding the contract to PINL or its affiliates.

The claimant also appealed to the court to set aside the recent vote of confidence passed in favour of PINL by the House of Representatives’ HOSTCOM Committee, describing it as unconstitutional and non-transparent. (The Sun)