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.
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.
The monarch of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State has denied any prior knowledge of a controversial festival linked to the alleged abuse of women and girls, as outrage continues to trail the incident across Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, made the clarification when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited his palace following reports of harassment during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.
According to the monarch, he had never encountered such practices in his over two decades on the throne. He stated that he had “never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested” in the community, distancing the palace from the widely condemned incident.
The controversy stems from viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by youths during the cultural event held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over gender-based violence.
During the palace visit, the NANS delegation; alongside student leaders from Southern Delta University, confirmed that some of the victims were students who had since received medical attention. While reports indicated no confirmed cases of rape, the students described the incidents as serious molestation and a violation of human dignity.
NANS condemned the attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to the safety of students in the community. The association called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice should justify violence against women. Authorities have launched investigations, with police confirming the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
Civil society organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, have also demanded immediate prosecution of those responsible, insisting that cultural traditions must not be used to excuse abuse or undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and for a review of traditional practices that may expose individuals to harm.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that one of its officials has been taken into custody following the death of a corps member, Miss Victoria Ariyo, in Abeokuta South.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the NYSC described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, disclosed that the staff member allegedly linked to the incident is currently in custody while relevant authorities continue their probe.
According to the scheme, it is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation without interference.
“The management of the NYSC is deeply saddened by the loss of a corps member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under circumstances currently being investigated,” the statement read.
The organisation extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
It also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that the scheme maintains strict standards for both staff and corps members.
“We assure the public that we are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure the truth is established and justice is served without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The NYSC further urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course, emphasising that the welfare, safety, and dignity of corps members remain a top priority.