COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

NOTE 5 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

JDZ BLOCKS 5 AND 6

Arbitration and Lawsuit

The Company's rights in JDZ Blocks 5 and 6 are currently the subject of legal proceedings at the London Court of International Arbitration and the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria.  The Company instituted both proceedings in November 2008 against the JDA and the Governments of Nigeria and Săo Tomé and Príncipe.  The Company seeks legal clarification that its rights in the Blocks remain intact.

The issue in contention is entirely contractual. The Company was awarded a 15 percent working interest in each of the Blocks in a 2004/5 bid/licensing round conducted by the JDA following the Company's exercise of preferential rights in the Blocks as guaranteed by contract and treaty.  The JDA and the Government of STP contend that certain correspondence issued by a previous CEO/President of the Company in 2006 amount to a relinquishment of the Company's rights in Blocks 5 and 6 under the Company's contracts with STP which provide for the rights.  The Company contends that no such relinquishment has occurred and has sought recourse to arbitration accordingly. It also filed the suit to prevent any tampering with its said rights in JDZ Blocks 5 and 6 pending the outcome of arbitration.

Suspension of Proceedings on the Arbitration and Lawsuit

Proceedings on the suit and the arbitration are currently suspended while the Company pursues amicable settlement with the Governments of Nigeria and Săo Tomé Príncipe.

ROUTINE CLAIMS AND CLOSED MATTERS

On April 6, 2012 and April 20, 2012, the Company received letters from the United States Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission respectively that the agencies had closed all action related to the subpoenas served on the Company between 2006 and 2007. Subpoenas are requests issued by government agencies for the production of information or documentation.

From time to time, ERHC may be subject to routine litigation, claims, or disputes in the ordinary course of business.  ERHC intends to defend these matters vigorously.  The Company cannot predict with certainty, however, the outcome or effect of any of the arbitration or litigation specifically described above or any other pending litigation or claims.