Court Dismisses Bayelsa Ruler's Suit Against Shell

On March 2025, the Federal High Court in Yenagoa dismissed a lawsuit filed by King Bubariy Dakolo, the traditional ruler of Ekpetiama in Bayelsa State, against Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria. Dakolo sought redress for pollution in his community, alleging that Shell's divestment of onshore assets did not comply with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

Justice Ayo Emmanuel ruled that Dakolo's case was invalid as it was filed outside the three-month statutory period and that he lacked the legal standing to institute the case. The court noted that the plaintiff failed to exhaust conflict resolution mechanisms and that the claims of continuing injury were based on historical grievances dating back decades.

The ruling was met with disappointment from environmental justice groups, including Social Action, which expressed regret over the court's dismissal of the environmental justice quest. Dakolo's counsel, Chuk Uguru, indicated plans to appeal the decision, asserting that the fight for justice would continue to the Supreme Court.