Federal High Court Adjourns Divestment Case Against Seplat Energy, Mobil Producing Nigeria to November 26
By Ekemini Simon
The Federal High Court in Uyo has adjourned a lawsuit filed by the Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reduction (NAPPDRR) against Seplat Energy plc, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, and the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to November 26, 2025, for hearing.
The case challenges the controversial divestment of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited’s shallow water four assets of OML 67, 68, 70 and 104 to Seplat Energy plc, citing alleged environmental degradation, lack of cleanup, and unpaid compensation to host communities in Esit Eket, Ibeno, and Eket.
The case which commenced in July 2025 has Christian Tom, Esq representing the Plaintiff while A. Adeyemi, SAN represented Mobil producing Nigeria and Seplat Energy.
In a press release after the adjournment, NAPPDRR’s Founder/Executive Director, Hon. Al Mustapher Emem Edoho, stated that the International Oil Companies’ (IOCs) divestment contravenes international environmental guidelines, including the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He said the lawsuit seeks redress for environmental genocide and pollution carried out by Mobil he said has affected the ecosystem, health, and livelihoods of the people in the host communities.
NAPPDRR demands that since Seplat Energy plc has bought over Mobil assets, they are taking over both assets and liabilities of Mobil thus should take responsibility for cleaning up the polluted environment, compensating affected communities, and ensuring sustainable development in the region.