A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has reportedly issued an interim order on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, restraining the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and all commercial banks operating in Nigeria from releasing or disbursing funds to Beijing Seajets International Forwarder Company Limited over an alleged unpaid debt of $117,000.
The order followed an ex parte application filed before the court by Wellman Group Limited, which is seeking redress over alleged outstanding payments for maritime services said to have been rendered during cargo transportation operations.
Presiding judge, Justice Stephen Daylop Pam, granted the application and issued a Mareva injunction freezing funds and assets allegedly linked to the defendant, pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Court filings before the court indicate that the dispute stems from alleged unpaid charges for the deployment of tugboats and barges used in transporting heavy equipment between December 8, 2025 and January 27, 2026.
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The court also directed all commercial banks operating in Nigeria to, within seven days, disclose details of any funds or accounts held in the name of the defendant.
NNPC Ltd was further restrained from making any payments to the company arising from any contractual obligations connected to the dispute, pending the outcome of the case.
Justice Pam held that the interim measures were necessary to preserve the subject matter of the litigation and prevent any possible dissipation of funds before the court delivers a final judgment.
The matter was adjourned to June 1, 2026, for hearing of the substantive suit.