The Federal High Court in Uyo has dismissed preliminary objections filed by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in a suit brought by the Akwa Ibom Oil Producing Development Network (AKPICON), which seeks N140 billion in compensation and environmental remediation for decades of hydrocarbon pollution.

AKPICON, advocating for environmental justice and protection of human rights, filed the case over pollution caused by corked and uncorked oil wells across multiple local government areas in the state, including Mkpat-Enin, Ini, Ikot Abasi, Onna, Uruan, Esit-Eket, Ikot Ekpene, Uyo, Eastern Obolo, and others.

Through its counsel, Dr. Dada Awosika, SAN, and Barr. Ndifreke Akpan, AKPICON alleged that SPDC’s negligence in maintaining aging oil wells and pipelines has resulted in chronic crude oil leaks, contaminating farmlands and waterways, causing economic losses, unemployment, health hazards, and psychological trauma to local farmers, fishermen, and communities.

The suit demands N140 billion in compensation and immediate steps to clean up and restore the environment to its original state.

SPDC had argued that AKPICON lacked legal standing to file the case and claimed that the suit was barred by Akwa Ibom’s limitation laws, as some spills occurred over 70 years ago.

Justice M.A. Onyetanu dismissed the preliminary objections for lack of merit and adjourned the case to February 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.