Nigeria, Nov. 7 -- A whistleblower has alleged a plot by powerful interest groups to pressure the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to transfer a multibillion-naira debt case involving oil and gas firm Nestoil Limited to another judge said to be "compromised."

The case concerns the enforcement of a debt claim brought by FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited and First Trustees Limited against Nestoil, its affiliate Neconde Energy Limited, and their principal promoters, Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi and Nnenna Obiejesi.

Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Lagos, had in October granted a Mareva injunction restraining Nestoil, Neconde Energy, and their directors from dealing with their assets pending the determina...