Documents obtained by Peoples Gazette have revealed that Seplat Energy Plc lied in a press release in which it claimed that neither the company nor its CEO, Roger Brown, was contacted by the Nigerian government about racism allegations raised by aggrieved Nigerian employees.

Two different invitations made to Seplat Energy by Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior on February 9 and 15 showed that the company’s denial of the allegations and claim that it had not been informed or approached for a response in its press statement were untrue.

“Seplat Energy wishes to refute the false allegations against Mr. Brown, which have been presented to the Ministry of Interior and the public by certain petitioners, and which have not been brought to the attention of Mr. Roger Brown or Seplat Energy for a reaction,” a statement signed by board chairman, Basil Omiyi, said on Thursday.

At least twice in February, Nigeria’s interior ministry invited Mr Brown to discuss the allegations but the Briton ignored both invitations. As a result, his work permit, visa, and residence permit were all revoked.

“I have been directed by the Honourable Minister to invite you to an urgent meeting in the Ministry of Interior,” reads a letter sent to Mr Brown on February 9. “The purpose of the meeting is to discuss certain allegations against you which fall within the mandate of this ministry as provided for In the Immigration Act 2015.”

In a letter with the reference number SEP/HR/MIA/LT/2023/00793, Seplat Energy Plc. acknowledged receipt of the initial letter and replied that its CEO was indisposed, hence, unable to meet with the ministry’s management team as requested.

The company’s response was seen as a deliberate attempt to evade the meeting which the ministry said was “unacceptable”. It fixed another date for the meeting. But, despite being in the nation’s capital, Mr Brown did not appear.

The second letter seen by The Gazette sent by the interior ministry to Mr Brown on February 15 read: “Please note that the Honourable Minister has been informed of the presence of the CEO Mr. Roger Thomson Brown in Abuja on Tuesday the 14th of February, 2023. The letter which states that Mr. R. T. Brown is indisposed is therefore not acceptable as it indicates a deliberate attempt NOT to honour the invitation referred to above.”

“Accordingly, I am to offer you one more opportunity to meet with a select Management Team of the Ministry of Interior as follows: Date: Thursday, 16 February 2023,” the second invitation said.

Mr Brown refused to avail himself to the ministry on both occasions, an action deemed a disregard to Nigeria’s laws and institutions.  

The two letters counter Seplat’s attempt to denigrate the Nigerian government and media by claiming that the company and its CEO were not contacted for a response to the claims.

Consequently, the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court has issued an interim order restraining Mr Brown from carrying out his CEO duties.

Samson Ezugworie, chief operating officer of Seplat, will act in the CEO capacity until Mr Brown can resume duties.

Seplat Energy could not be reached for comments as calls by The Gazette were left unanswered by the energy company.