The High Court has dismissed an application by former National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Chief Executive Mustapha Hamid seeking permission to travel abroad while standing trial over allegations of extortion in the petroleum sector.

The application, filed by Mr Hamid, the first accused in the case of The Republic v Mustapha Hamid and 7 Others, was opposed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

In its ruling on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the court held that an accused person on bail whose movements are restricted must demonstrate compelling reasons before such restrictions can be lifted, even temporarily.

The court found that the reasons presented by Mr Hamid did not meet the required threshold and consequently dismissed his request.

His movement restrictions therefore remain in force, subject to any further orders from the court.

Mr Hamid, a former Minister for Information, and seven other accused persons are standing trial over allegations that they extorted money from operators in the petroleum sector.

The accused persons had earlier applied to have the charge sheet struck out, but the court dismissed the application, allowing the pre-trial proceedings to continue.

The case has also been marked by disagreements over scheduling, with the court previously rejecting an adjournment request by Mr Hamid’s lead counsel, Joseph Kpemka.

The proceedings are expected to move to the case management conference, which will help prepare the matter for trial.