Former NPA CEO’s application opposed by the OSP as trial over alleged extortion in the petroleum sector continues.
The High Court has dismissed an application by former National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Chief Executive Officer Mustapha Hamid seeking permission to travel abroad while standing trial over allegations of extortion in the petroleum sector.
The application, filed by Hamid, the first accused in the case of The Republic v Mustapha Hamid & 7 Others, was opposed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
In its ruling on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the court held that an accused person on bail whose movements have been restricted must demonstrate compelling reasons to justify a temporary relaxation of those restrictions.
The court found that the grounds presented by Hamid did not sufficiently justify granting the request and consequently dismissed the application.
Trial over alleged petroleum sector extortion
Hamid, a former NPA chief executive and former Minister for Information, is standing trial alongside seven others over allegations that they extorted money from players in the petroleum sector.
The accused persons had previously applied to have the charge sheet struck out, but the court dismissed the application, allowing the pre-trial proceedings to continue.
The case has also been marked by disagreements over scheduling. In an earlier sitting, the court rejected an adjournment request by Hamid’s lead counsel, Joseph Kpemka.
Movement restrictions remain in force
Following Thursday’s ruling, Hamid’s movement restrictions remain in place, subject to any subsequent orders by the court.
The trial is expected to proceed with a case management conference as the court continues preparations for the substantive proceedings.
The allegations against Hamid and the seven other accused persons remain before the court and have yet to be determined.
