EFCC Declares Chappal Energies CEO Ufoma Immanuel Wanted Over Alleged Financial Misconduct

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced that Ufoma Joseph Immanuel, the managing director and chief executive officer of Chappal Energies, is now on its wanted list over allegations bordering on financial deception and document falsification.

The anti-corruption agency released a public bulletin on Wednesday detailing Immanuel’s personal information and urging Nigerians to assist in locating him. According to the notice, the energy executive is wanted in connection with suspected involvement in obtaining funds under false pretence, as well as reportedly forging documents used in undisclosed financial dealings.

The commission also disclosed that the 46-year-old’s last known address is in the Maitama district of Abuja.

The EFCC encouraged citizens who have credible information on his whereabouts to reach out through its designated communication channels or report to any of its zonal commands across the country. Such wanted notices are typically part of preliminary steps taken to facilitate the arrest and prosecution of individuals linked to ongoing financial crime investigations.

Reacting to the development, Chappal Energies expressed surprise at the public declaration, insisting that a valid court injunction is currently in place restraining the EFCC from inviting or arresting its chief executive. The company argued that the commission did not issue any formal communication before making the notice public, describing the move as unnecessary and capable of creating false impressions in the minds of the public.

Chappal Energies stated that it remains available to cooperate with authorities using proper legal channels.

The situation comes at a sensitive time for the company, which has in recent months made headlines over efforts to acquire major oil and gas assets in Nigeria. Industry watchers note that the firm has faced intense scrutiny over its financial capacity and transactional processes, heightening public interest in the EFCC’s latest announcement.

As of Thursday, the EFCC had not released additional details about the investigation or whether international law-enforcement support may be sought if Immanuel is believed to have left the country. The case continues to draw national attention as both the company and the anti-graft agency maintain their respective positions.