The Lagos State High Court sitting at Ikeja has discharged and acquitted Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mettle Energy & Gas Limited, Osahon Asemota, along with six others, in a protracted oil dispute regarding the alleged 10,000 tons of contaminated petroleum products estimated at over $11,000,000.
Recall that the Inspector General of Police had, in November 2018, arraigned Mr Asemota, Mettle Energy & Gas Limited and others before Justice Mojisola Dada.
They were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy to commit felony, stealing and receiving stolen property, in Suit No: ID//980c/2018: FRN V. Trafigura & 6 Ors.
The prosecution called over 16 witnesses, including industry experts and investigators, to build its case. However, as the defence presented its evidence, a pivotal shift occurred. The office of the Attorney General of the Federation took over from police prosecutors after the defendants had opened their cases and concluded their defence.
However, after reviewing the case, the office of the Attorney General filed a notice of discontinuance dated May 5, 2025.
As a result, the team of defence counsels argued that the defendants were entitled not only to a discharge but also to an acquittal because they had fielded two witnesses already.
They relied on section 108 (3) of the Administration of Justice Act, 2015, in buttressing their point.
In her ruling, Justice Dada agreed with the defendants, asserting, “Whereas in this case not only have the defendants been called upon to open their defence, they have already started the same and called two witnesses before the filing of the Notice of Discontinuance.
“This therefore satisfies the reason for the order discharging and acquitting the defendants forthwith, and I hold. Defendants are accordingly hereby discharged and acquitted,” the Judge ruled.
Reacting to the judgment, Asemota, who hailed the judiciary for the ruling after a protracted legal battle, said: “I have always believed in the rule of law, and that is why I have always attended court sessions because I needed to clear my name.
“This verdict not only cleared my name and that of others, but it has also ensured that we are protected from any retrial due to the painstaking effort made by the court to ensure fairness and transparency throughout the trial.”
Also speaking, defence counsel, A. Udoh, who also hailed the judgment, said: “This judgment has put to rest the very erroneous and wicked belief being parroted by mischief makers that our client stole the same product he purchased with his hard-earned money.
“Like they say, the judiciary is the last hope of the ordinary man, and today the court has done justice to this matter. It’s sad that people, out of selfish interest, could conspire against our client on this matter.
However, we are happy that after several years of legal battle, Justice was done,” he stated.
