Court Throws Out ₦20.9 Billion Suit Against Mobil

The Federal High Court in Uyo has dismissed a ₦20.9 billion lawsuit filed against Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, now known as Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU), over an alleged oil spill matter.

Naija News reports that the suit was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of AIBOM Oil Producing Community Development Network alongside Evangelist Emmanuel Edet Bassey and Apostle Ufot Phenson.

Justice Onyetenu, who delivered the ruling, held that the plaintiffs failed to show that their personal rights, interests, or property were directly affected by the actions complained about in the case. The court said this meant the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing required to continue with the matter.

According to the court, the statement of claim filed by the plaintiffs did not contain facts showing that any recognised civil rights or proprietary interests had been violated by the defendant.

The plaintiffs were represented by D.A. Awosika SAN & Partners, while SEPNU was represented by KENNA LP. Counsel to SEPNU, Chinonso Ekuma, argued that the plaintiffs failed to disclose any legally recognised interest that could support their case before the court.

The court also ruled that the irrevocable power of attorney relied upon by the plaintiffs was invalid because the first plaintiff was not yet in existence when the document was executed. Based on this finding, the judge held that the document could not be used to sustain the lawsuit.

Justice Onyetenu further dismissed the plaintiffs’ argument that the defendant ought to have brought its objection under Order 29 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2019.

The court agreed with the defendant that the application was properly filed under Order 26 of the rules and explained that Order 29 only applies to cases that do not require oral evidence.