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 for alleged 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 movement is restricted must provide compelling reasons to justify temporarily lifting the restriction.
The Court found that the reasons presented by Hamid were insufficient to warrant approval and subsequently dismissed his request.
Hamid, a former Information Minister and former NPA CEO, is standing trial alongside seven others over allegations that they extorted money from players in the petroleum sector.
The accused persons had earlier asked the Court to strike out the charge sheet, but the application was dismissed, allowing the pre-trial proceedings to continue.
The case has also experienced disagreements over hearing schedules. In an earlier sitting, the Court rejected an adjournment request by Hamid’s lead counsel, Joseph Kpemka.
The trial is expected to proceed with a case management conference as the Court prepares for the substantive proceedings.
Following Thursday’s ruling, Hamid’s movement restrictions remain in force unless the Court issues a further order.
