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From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
The Federal High Court,Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has ordered Heritage Energy Operational Services Ltd and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to commence the process of cleaning up an oil spill that has devastated Uzere Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government, Delta State.
The court, in a landmark ruling following a suit filed by E.K. Omare, SAN, Chambers, on behalf of Udogri Isaac 1, the Ovie of Uzere Kingdom, also ordered the immediate stoppage of oil exploration activities in the affected area pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Delivering judgment in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/132/2026, the presiding judge, Justice Adamu Mohammed, made several orders aimed at protecting the environment and ensuring compliance with due process.
Heritage Energy Operational Services Ltd and NOSDRA are the defendants, while the Ovie of Uzere Kingdom, Udogri Isaac 1, is the applicant, acting on behalf of the Uzere Traditional Council and the entire Uzere community.
In his ruling, Justice Mohammed ordered the defendants to immediately halt all ongoing oil and gas operations in Uzere Kingdom pending the resolution of the motion on notice.
The court also directed the defendants to clean up the affected sites and take necessary measures to prevent further environmental damage.
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Counsel for the applicant, N.O. Akporuvweku, of E.K. Omare, SAN and Co. Chambers, told the court that the defendants had earlier been directed to show cause regarding the environmental degradation and that the necessary documents had been duly served.
The defendants, represented by O.O. Jarikre and Akomaye, acknowledged receipt of the motion and informed the court that discussions between the parties had been productive, with no objection raised against the application.
Given the urgency of the environmental situation, Justice Mohammed directed the defendants to file an interim compliance report before the court within 14 days.
The deadline, extended from the initially proposed seven days, underscored the court’s directive that urgent and effective measures be taken to address the ecological damage caused by the oil spill.
The ruling was greeted with applause by members of the Uzere community, who have for years complained of the environmental and economic consequences of oil spills in the area.
Chief Odio Lucky, who represented the applicant, described the ruling as a victory for the kingdom and a major step towards protecting the livelihoods, health and environment of the people.
Speaking by telephone, Omare, SAN, said the ruling was expected to set an important precedent for corporate accountability and environmental protection in Nigeria’s oil-producing communities.
