Matrix Energy Limited, a Nigerian oil company, has filed libel suits at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, demanding N20 billion in damages over reports accusing it of importing low-grade fuel from Malta to Nigeria. The company and its CEO, Alhaji Abdulkadir Adisa Aliu, assert that the reports published by two media outlets are defamatory. Represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ahmed Raji, the plaintiffs are seeking N10 billion each in damages from the media houses, along with N200 million for legal costs.
The suits, numbered CV/3718/2024 and CV/3719/2024, specifically challenge a report titled “From Russia to Malta: How Matrix Energy imports dirty petrol,” which alleges that the company imports substandard petroleum products from Malta, a nation with no oil refineries. Matrix Energy has denied these claims and is requesting the court to declare the publications false, malicious, and defamatory.
Additionally, the plaintiffs are asking for a court order requiring the defendants to delete the defamatory content, issue a full retraction, and publish an unreserved apology. They are also seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent any further defamatory publications. Matrix Energy had previously denied any involvement in importing substandard fuel through a statement from its spokesman, Ibrahim Akinola.
