Bodo community fights Shell over spills

Bodo community fights Shell over spills

Posted by Sylvester on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 0

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Nigeria's Bodo community has reportedly taken Shell to court seeking compensation after they failed to reach a deal last year following two oil spills in 2008. 

According to reports, the British High Court will hold a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday before the court case commences next year.

About 15 000 Bodo residents who are represented by London law firm Leigh Day are said to have rejected Shell's initial offer of 7.5 billion naira.

The Guardian says senior partner at Leigh Day, Martyn Day said, "Our clients know how much their claims are worth and will not be bought off cheaply."

Meanwhile Shell has allegedly admitted to the spills but has denied the extent of damage.

Managing director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), Mutiu Sunmonu said in a statement, "We want to fairly compensate those who have been genuinely affected as quickly as possible and clean up all areas where oil has been spilled from our facilities, including the many parts of Bodo which have been severely impacted by oil theft, illegal refining and sabotage activities."