Cavendish Petroleum, the company with which Tuskar Resources is in dispute over the ownership of the Obe oilfield in Nigeria, has said Tuskar has no interest in the oilfield and that no talks are taking place with the Irish exploration company.

In its first public comment on the dispute which could lead to Tuskar being wound up by the High Court next month, Cavendish chairman Mr Alhaji Mai Deribe said: "Cavendish is not aware that Tuskar has any interest in the Obe field despite repeated claims being asserted to this effect."