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The Nembe community in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has dragged Nembe Exploration & Production Company Limited (NEPCL), formerly Aiteo Eastern E&P Company Limited, to the High Court in Yenagoa over alleged trespass on a 46.5-hectare parcel of land at Nembe Creek.
The community, represented by Chief Inie Loko Maduabebe and Chief Diepreye Owugha, is seeking declarations, damages and other reliefs over the company’s alleged unlawful entry into and occupation of the disputed land.
In Suit No. BYHC/BHC/CV/16/2026, dated November 10, 2026, counsel to the claimants, Chief Rumson Victor Baribote of Debeez Chambers, is asking the court to declare that the Nembe community is entitled to a customary right of occupancy over the disputed parcel, delineated in white on Survey Plan No. IA/BYS/LD010/2026, dated October 27, 2026.
The community is also seeking a declaration that the company’s alleged entry onto the land in September 2020, destruction of crops, fishing camps, economic trees and shrines, fencing of the property, and continued occupation without its consent or payment of compensation constitute continuing trespass.
Consequently, the claimants are demanding N11,968,972,776, representing the open market value of the 46.5 hectares, as assessed in a valuation report prepared by eF KENI Associates, dated November 5, 2026, or such other amount as the court may establish. They are also claiming N240,986,250 as compensation for the loss of surface rights, including economic trees and forestry resources on the affected land.
In addition, the community is demanding N10.5 billion as mesne profits and damages for the loss of use and economic benefits of the land during ap
