Nigeria, March 2 -- The Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division, has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to refrain from disrupting the operations of Jones Creek Hydrocarbon Limited, a part of Nestoil Group, and from freezing its accounts.

In an order of interim injunction issued by the court on 25 February, it similarly forbade the country's top anti-corruption agency from applying for interim forfeiture or a Mareva injunction, or from making any effort against the company, until the hearing and determination of its motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.

Lawyers and anti-corruption activists consider the order shocking and extraordinary, saying it is unusual for a judge to preempt law enforceme...