Melrose General Services Limited has filed contempt charges against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, and the Director of Legal Services, Salam-Alada Kofo. The case centres on a disputed Paris Club refund.
The company’s lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/532/2025, was filed before Justice Inyang Ekwo at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The hearing is set for June 4.
In June 2024, the Supreme Court overturned a previous forfeiture order against Melrose General Services’ funds. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had initially frozen ₦1.22 billion and an additional ₦220 million linked to Melrose, alleging the money was linked to fraud.
The apex court ruled that the EFCC failed to prove the funds were fraudulent and ordered their release.
However, Melrose claims the CBN has only refunded the ₦1.22 billion, leaving the ₦220 million unpaid.
Legal Battle Over Compliance
Melrose’s counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, argues that the refusal to fully comply with the Supreme Court ruling undermines judicial authority.
“The appellant’s application (Melrose General Services Limited) to set aside the order of interim forfeiture of the sum of ₦1,222,384,857.84 in the appellant’s account with Access Bank Plc and ₦220,000,000.00 in the accounts of the 2nd and 3rd respondents (Wasp Networks and Thebe Wellness) is hereby granted,” the Supreme Court ruled.
Despite this, the ₦220 million remains unpaid, prompting the contempt proceedings against Cardoso, Kofo, the EFCC, and the Minister of Finance.
CBN’s Legal Arguments
At the April 10 hearing, Melrose’s counsel, Segun Fiki, confirmed that all parties—except the Ministry of Finance—had responded to the court documents.
CBN’s legal team, led by Abdulfatai Oyedele, filed a preliminary objection and counter-affidavit.
“The Supreme Court did not direct payment of ₦220 million to Melrose’s account but to the accounts of Wasp Network Limited and Thebe Wellness Services, from which the money was originally forfeited,” Oyedele argued.
The legal battle over compliance with the Supreme Court ruling continues.
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