Roger Brown, the CEO of Seplat Energy PLC, has stepped down from his position due to a Federal High Court order in Lagos which restrained him from acting as CEO until a lawsuit filed against him by aggrieved stakeholders of the company is determined. 

The stakeholders had accused Brown of racism, favouritism for expatriate workers, discrimination against Nigerians, and breach of good governance. In response, Seplat Energy said that Nigerians had been appointed to the company’s most important positions since Brown became CEO in 2020. 

The court order was issued following allegations of unfair, prejudicial, and offensive acts by the Chairman, CEO, and all of the Independent Non-Executive Directors of Seplat Energy. Brown had delegated authority to the Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Samson Ezugwore, to act as CEO during his absence. The Ministry of Interior has also revoked Brown’s work permit, visa, and residence permit over allegations of racism and discrimination.