General News
SUPREME COURT ENDS 29-YEAR LEGAL BATTLE, VOIDS ₦1.4BN COMPENSATION CLAIM AGAINST MOBILE
The Supreme Court has brought to a close a 29-year legal dispute after dismissing an appeal seeking to revive a ₦1.4 billion compensation claim against Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited over alleged community land acquisition in Akwa Ibom State.
In a unanimous judgment delivered on Thursday, the apex court upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal, Calabar Division, which had nullified an earlier judgment of the Federal High Court on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction.
The Supreme Court held that the Federal High Court lacked the constitutional authority to entertain disputes relating to land ownership, compulsory acquisition, and compensation for unexhausted improvements.
It ruled that such matters fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of State High Courts, as provided under the Land Use Act.
The case originated in 1997 when His Royal Highness, Obong David Edu, alongside 132 others, instituted an action at the Federal High Court, Uyo Judicial Division.
The claimants sued Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited—now Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited—the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and the Akwa Ibom State Government.
They sought compensation on behalf of themselves and the Ekid people of Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas, alleging that their community land was compulsorily acquired by the state government.
The claimants demanded ₦379,988,000 as compensation, with interest from July 30, 1997, for the alleged acquisition and unexhausted improvements on the land.
In March 2014, the Federal High Court ruled in favour of the claimants, awarding the full sum with interest at 10 per cent per annum from April 8, 1998, until liquidation.
The judgment sum later accumulated to about ₦1.4 billion.Mobil, however, challenged the decision at the Court of Appeal, Calabar Division.
In a unanimous judgment delivered on July 13, 2018, the appellate court allowed the appeal and set aside the Federal High Court’s ruling, holding that it lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter.
The claimants subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court, but the apex court dismissed the appeal in its entirety, endorsing the submissions of Mobil’s counsel, Ituah Imhanze.
The Supreme Court reaffirmed that claims arising from compulsory land acquisition and compensation for unexhausted improvements are matters strictly reserved for State High Courts.
The judgment effectively restores the decision of the Court of Appeal and finally voids the ₦379.9 million award earlier granted by the Federal High Court, bringing the long-running dispute to an end.
General News
Alue-Do Festival Assault: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Condemns Attack on Women, Calls for Justice
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has strongly condemned the reported assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the incident as “horrific” and unacceptable.
Reacting to viral footage from Ozoro, the First Lady expressed outrage over scenes showing young girls being physically and sexually assaulted, as well as subjected to degrading treatment during what was meant to be a cultural celebration.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that no tradition or custom should be used as justification for violating the dignity and rights of women and girls.
She commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force for making arrests in connection with the incident and urged authorities to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The First Lady also called on victims to seek immediate medical and psychological support, offering prayers for their healing, peace, and strength in the aftermath of the ordeal.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stricter measures to protect women and girls during cultural and public events across the country.
General News
World Water Day 2026: Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Gender Equity Through Improved Water Access
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action to promote gender equality through improved access to water and sanitation, as the world marks World Water Day 2026.
In a message commemorating the day, Senator Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” emphasizing the strong link between water access and gender equity.
She noted that in many communities, women and girls bear the burden of sourcing water, often trekking long distances to streams, a situation that negatively impacts their education, health, and economic opportunities.
“When we ensure safe, clean, and accessible water, we do more than quench thirst; we open doors for girls to stay in school, for women to pursue livelihoods, and for families to live healthier lives,” she said.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to work together to ensure equitable access to water resources across the country, stressing that improved water systems can drive social and economic development.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace the spirit of the global observance and reaffirm commitments toward building a more inclusive society.
“Let us work together to ensure that where water flows in Nigeria, equity truly grows,” she added.
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources worldwide.
Fresh hostilities in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict intensified early Sunday, with Iran launching strikes near Israel’s main nuclear research centre, leaving dozens injured and raising fears of wider regional escalation.
According to reports, missiles hit areas close to the nuclear facility in Dimona and the southern city of Arad. Rescue services confirmed that nearly 70 people were injured in Arad alone, with several in serious condition and multiple residential buildings severely damaged.
The Israeli military said it had begun retaliatory strikes targeting locations in Tehran, further escalating the conflict, which has now entered its fourth week.
Iran warned that any attack on its energy facilities would trigger retaliatory strikes on U.S. and Israeli infrastructure across the region. The threat followed a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the United States could target Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iranian authorities described such threats as provocative, vowing a firm response if carried out.
Saudi Arabia also confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones targeting its territory, including areas near key oil installations, with no casualties reported. In a separate incident, a projectile struck near a commercial vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, causing an explosion but leaving the crew unharmed.
Iran’s state media reported that the death toll within the country has surpassed 1,500 since the conflict began, raising humanitarian concerns. Legal experts have also warned that targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants could violate international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as “a very difficult moment,” as emergency teams continued search-and-rescue operations in affected areas.
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels warned they could join the conflict if attacks against Iran intensify, cautioning that further escalation could disrupt global energy supplies and economic stability.
Despite diplomatic signals, including a temporary U.S. move to ease sanctions on Iranian oil shipments, there are no clear signs of de-escalation, with both sides continuing military operations. Analysts warn the conflict risks expanding into a broader regional war with significant global implications.