The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has asked the Federal High Court in Yenagoa to stay. Proceeding in the N700 billion oil spill compensation suit filed by members of Aghoro I Community in Bayelsa.
The people of Aghoro community had sued SPDC over the May 17, 2018 oil leak from the oil firm’s Trans Ramos Pipeline.
What happened in court
Informing the court that his client is contesting the court’s authority to hear the case, SPDC’s counsel resumed the hearing. He prayed the court to stay proceeding pending the determination of the interlocutory appeal.
The presiding judge retorted that he had not yet seen the court file’s attached notice of appeal. He therefore postponed the matter until October 19 to give him time to review the processes.
He noted that he would follow the rule by awaiting the decision of the appellate court.
What you should know
The suit was on behalf of Aghoro I community at Ekeremor LGA, Bayelsa.
They are seeking compensation for the damages caused by the oil spill. They claimed that the N33.49 million given by SPDC cannot be compared to the N700 billion damage assessment done.
Defendants in the suit include: In Shell Petroleum Development Company, Shell International Exploration and Production BV. Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation included.
-Punch.