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This is coming on the heels of the SEC investigation of Oando Plc following the receipt of two petitions by the commission in 2017 against the company.

According to SEC, “Certain infractions of securities and other relevant laws were observed. The commission further engaged Deloitte & Touche to conduct a forensic audit of the activities of Oando Plc.

“The general public is hereby notified of the conclusion of the investigations of Oando Plc. The findings from the report revealed serious infractions such as false disclosures, market abuses, misstatements in financial statements, internal control failures, and corporate governance lapses stemming from poor board oversight, irregular approval of directors’ remuneration, unjustified disbursements to directors and management of the company, related party transactions not conducted at arm’s length, amongst others.”

The Commission also directs that some members of the Board of the group should resign immediately while it also directs payment of monetary penalties by Oando to affected individuals and directors and refund remuneration.

The commission also directed the payment of monetary penalties by the company and affected individuals and directors, and refund of improperly disbursed remuneration by the affected board members to the company.

It said as required under Section 304 of the Investments and Securities Act, (ISA) 2007, it would refer all issues with possible criminality to the appropriate criminal prosecuting authorities.

SEC stated that other aspects of the findings would be referred to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Federal Inland Revenue Service, and the Corporate Affairs Commission.

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The apex capital market regulator said, “The commission is confident that with the implementation of the above directives and introduction of some remedial measures, such unwholesome practices by public companies would be significantly reduced.

“Therefore, in line with the Federal Government’s resolve to build strong institutions, boards of public companies are enjoined to properly perform their fiduciary duties as required under extant securities laws.”

According to the commission, these, among others, are part of measures to address identified violations in the company.

However, the commission maintains its zero tolerance to market infractions, and reiterates its commitment to ensuring the fairness, integrity, efficiency and transparency of the securities market, thereby strengthening investor protection.

It also directed the convening of an Extraordinary General Meeting on or before July 1, 2019, to appoint new directors.