Oceangate begins asset forfeiture appeal, maintains no wrongdoing proven

Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Limited has clarified the nature of a recent Federal High Court ruling against it, stressing that the decision does not amount to a finding of wrongdoing and confirming that it has begun the process of challenging the outcome.

In a statement issued on March 25, 2026, and signed by Nnenna Onyeaso, Oceangate’s secretary, the company said the ruling was a civil asset forfeiture order, not a criminal conviction. It emphasised that the court did not establish any wrongdoing against the firm or its leadership.

According to Oceangate, the order was based on a legal threshold of suspicion rather than proof. The company maintained that this distinction is critical in understanding the scope and implication of the judgment.

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“The court’s decision rested on a legal standard of suspicion, not proof,” the statement noted, highlighting its position that the ruling should not be interpreted as a confirmation of liability.

Oceangate further disclosed that it has instructed its legal counsel to file an appeal against the decision, signalling its intention to contest the order through the judicial process.

The company expressed confidence in the appellate system, stating that it remains committed to pursuing a full review of the case. It added that the appeals process is designed to address outcomes of this nature and provide an avenue for reconsideration of the facts.

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“We have always believed in the ability of the judicial process and that belief has not wavered,” the company said, adding that it is confident a thorough reassessment will clarify its position.

The statement indicated that Oceangate is relying on the appellate courts to re-examine the legal and factual basis of the forfeiture order, as it seeks to overturn the ruling.