RismadarVoice Reporters
October 27, 2026
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has intensified its legal battle against Western Metal Products Company (WEMPCO), seeking the imprisonment of nine individuals linked to the industrial conglomerate over alleged disobedience of a Federal High Court order.
The proceedings form part of the bank’s efforts to recover approximately ₦61.45 billion it claims is owed by WEMPCO and associated companies.
A committal notice published on Tuesday, October 27, followed the court’s approval for substituted service on the individuals accused of interfering with the enforcement of an earlier receivership order.
The respondents include Lewis Shui Ngor Tung, Phillip Shui Chei Tung, M.A. Ola Yusuf, Tung Lawrence Blake, Alli Aare Hadji Tokunbo, Paul Shui Po Tung, Robert Tung, C.L. Ip and Taiwo Alli.
The dispute originated from an April 2 order issued by Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The court granted an interim injunction restricting the movement of funds linked to WEMPCO and 16 associated companies, up to the disputed sum of ₦61,445,695,993.76.
It also appointed Romeo Ese Michael as receiver-manager over specified company assets, including two Wärtsilä power generators.
According to UBA’s court filings, the receiver-manager subsequently encountered resistance while attempting to assume control of WEMPCO’s industrial facility in Magboro/Ibafo, Ogun State.
The bank alleged that individuals associated with the company forcibly removed locks installed by the receiver, threatened his personnel and continued operating the facility despite the court order.
UBA further claimed that the alleged interference prevented the receiver-manager from exercising his court-authorised responsibilities.
The allegations have not been established by a final judicial determination.
In an earlier development, the court granted UBA permission to serve Form 49 notices on the nine respondents through an alternative procedure.
The notices require the individuals to explain why they should not be committed to prison for allegedly disobeying the court’s directives.
Court documents also indicate that attempts to resolve the financial dispute through negotiations were unsuccessful.
WEMPCO’s legal representatives reportedly proposed discussions on account reconciliation and a structured repayment arrangement, but the parties did not settle.
The case involves several companies associated with the industrial group, including Nigerian Enamelware Company Plc, Lagos Oriental Hotel Limited and United Rolling Mills Limited.
The bank’s latest action highlights the continuing dispute over the enforcement of receivership orders and the recovery of contested corporate debts.
However, the commencement of contempt proceedings does not establish criminal wrongdoing or automatically authorise imprisonment.
The Federal High Court will determine whether the respondents disobeyed its orders and whether any sanctions are legally justified.
