Seplat CEO, Roger Brown Steps Aside After Court Order

Roger Brown, the Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy Plc, has stepped down in response to an order from a Federal High Court in Lagos.

Brown will cease acting as CEO until the outcome of a lawsuit filed by disgruntled corporate stakeholders against him and others.

The British national was accused of racism, partiality towards expatriate workers, discrimination against Nigerians, and a violation of the good governance code.

On Friday, the board Chairman, Basil Omiyi, told the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) that Brown will be absent from work for seven days.

According to the firm, the decision was made in response to an ex-parte Temporary Order issued by Judge C. J. Aneke of the Federal High Court.

Seplat believes the claims are “a false and vengeful reaction to the Board’s implementation of corporate governance norms,” according to Omiyi.

Brown’s work permit, visa, and residence permit were all canceled by the federal government in a letter signed by Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola on March 3.

According to an internal statement seen by EnergyPlanets, Brown was also accused of having a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) that was not based on a valid Expatriate Quota.

The under-fire CEO is accused of refusing to accept invitations from the government team that looked into the situation.

British national Roger joined Seplat in 2013 as the company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In November 2019, Roger was chosen as the new CEO, but he actually took over the position in 2020.