Malabu slams The Africa Report, threatens legal action

Malabu Oil and gas has taken issues with The Africa Report magazine over a recent article which Malabu alleges contains “certain inaccuracies.” The magazine is published by Jeune Afrique Media Group in Paris, France.

In a letter signed by Joseph Amaran on behalf of Malabu and addressed for the attention of Nicholas Norbrook & Patrick Smith, the company referenced the offending article as titled “Malabu Court Action Clouds Tinubu Resolved OPL 245” which the company noted “has been disseminated online and is publicly accessible”.

The letter went on to say that “we wish to address and rectify certain inaccuracies presented in this article, specifically concerning the portrayal of Mr. Chief Dan Etete, as well as the identities and claims of the parties involved in the litigation referenced.”

The letter points out that the magazine erred in using the image and name of Mr. Chief Dan Etete because he is “not a member of the current management, ownership structure, or legal representation of Malabu Oil & Gas Limited. This misrepresentation stands to cause significant damage to Mr. Etete’s reputation, as well as the integrity of our company.”

Going further, the letter adds that “It is our position that the inclusion of his likeness and name implies an association with both the suit and Malabu Oil & Gas Limited that is entirely misleading. We urge your publication to reconsider the implications of such representations and to avoid using imagery or names that could mislead the public regarding their involvement in legal matters where they are not parties.”

The letter goes further to repudiate the main elements of the story by pointing out that the company has not taken the federal government of Nigeria to court: “it is essential to clarify that Malabu Oil & Gas Limited is not currently involved in any legal action against the Government of Nigeria. The current court proceedings are being initiated by parties who are impostors and falsely claim to have legitimate interests in the matter concerning Oil Prospecting License 245 (OPL 245). We call on law enforcement to take appropriate action against these impostors in order to protect the interests of legitimate stakeholders in this matter.”

Concluding the missive, Malabu oil and gas called on The Africa Report, “to go back to your source, seek clarification, and take the necessary steps to correct the misrepresentation in your article. We expect an unreserved apology within 7 days; failure to comply will leave us with no choice but to seek legal redress.”

Find the full text of the letter below.