The family of late Chief MKO Abiola is currently embroiled in a crisis following allegations of fraud linked to one of his oil assets, Summit Oil Company Ltd.
Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola was the widely recognized winner of the June 12, 1993, Presidential Election, considered the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history. The election was annulled by the military regime led by General Ibrahim Babangida, and Abiola died in detention while fighting to reclaim the mandate given to him by the Nigerian people.
Since his death, tensions have persisted among his children, particularly between the children of his first wife, Simbiat, led by his eldest son, Kola, and other family members.
The latest development involves Halliburton Energy Services Nigeria Ltd, which has expressed interest in engaging with Summit Oil Company Ltd for unspecified business transactions. Halliburton had previously conducted business with the Kola-led Abiola family, allegedly under false representation by Kola and Wura Abiola.
It was therefore unsurprising when Halliburton showed renewed interest in resuming business relations with Summit Oil.
This move has drawn the ire of four of MKO Abiola’s children—Olalekan, Hafsat Abiola-Costello, Abdul Mumuni, and Kafila Abiola—who have formally written to Halliburton Energy Services Nigeria Ltd, warning the company to cease any business dealings with Summit Oil or face legal action.
These four siblings accuse Kola and Wuraola of financial crimes and have filed a formal complaint against them with the Office of the Inspector General of Police. They followed up with a letter titled, “Urgent Warning to Halliburton and Anchor Point to Cease and Desist: Avoid Collusion with Fraudulent Management of Summit Oil Company Ltd,” addressed to the Managing Director of Halliburton Energy Services Nigeria Ltd.
In the letter, the four Abiola children introduce themselves as heirs and members of the family of the late Chief MKO Abiola and expressed their deep concern over Halliburton’s recent business dealings with Summit Oil.
The letter reads in part: “As you may be aware, Summit Oil Company, a legacy established by our late father, is currently involved in a serious legal dispute, with allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement by two family members, Kola Abiola and Wuraola Abiola.
“It has come to our attention that your company has entered into a partnership with Summit Oil, under the management of these two individuals, to re-enter and operate the Oil Well to bring it back into production.
“We believe that your decision is fraught with significant risks and could lead to serious legal consequences for your company.
“By entering into this agreement, your company may unintentionally be aiding and abetting a fraudulent operation.
“When it is later proven that Kola Abiola and Wuraola Abiola have indeed misappropriated funds from Summit Oil Company, your company could face criminal charges for conspiracy and other related offenses of aiding and abetting a crime.”
The letter highlights the potential legal and reputational risks Halliburton faces by continuing its engagement with Summit Oil under the current management.
