‘It’s an attempt to undermine my reputation’- Abdulrahman moves to appeal Dubai court verdict

Abdulrahman Bashar, founder of the Rahmaniya Group, has announced his intention to appeal a recent judgment issued against him by a Dubai court, which he claims is part of a broader effort to damage his reputation and business interests.

The court sentenced Abdulrahman to a one-year prison term over an alleged financial offense tied to his dealings with CE Energy Company (CEE), an oil and gas firm. However,

Abdulrahman maintains his innocence and is actively pursuing legal measures to overturn the verdict. He is working closely with the international law firm Holman Fenwick Willan (HFW) in this effort.
The ruling, delivered on January 30, 2025, was made in Abdulrahman’s absence, without what he describes as a fair opportunity to defend himself against the allegations. His legal team remains optimistic that the verdict will be overturned once his defense is formally presented in court.

Commenting on the case, Abdulrahman stated:  “We refer to the criminal proceedings and recent judgment issued in the criminal courts against Mr. Bashar on 30 January 2025. First and foremost, Mr Bashar rejects any allegations of criminality.”

“There are several ongoing civil disputes between CEE and Mr. Bashar. The criminal proceedings have, in our view, been filed against Mr. Bashar as a pressure tactic in the context of the Commercial Proceedings, to threaten Mr Bashar’s reputation and business.

“Mr. Bashar will take all available steps available to him to challenge the judgment.”

Abdulrahman alleged that CEE had used similar heavy handed litigation tactics in the commercial proceedings, including seeking a Worldwide Freezing Order (the WFO) from the English Court against him.

According to him, The WFO was successfully challenged and discharged. CEE’s appeal to the Court of Appeal was also rejected. The English Court recognised the futility of CEE’s tactics.

It is worthy of note that Abdulrahaman is currently doing his legal business in Nigeria and not in any prison as presumed.