24 yrs after, Court rules against Shell in favour of wives of slain Ogoni leaders

A Dutch Court on Wednesday gave an interim ruling in favour of wives of four leaders of Ogoni land that were killed in 1995.

According to a statement by Amnesty International, Esther Kiobel, Victoria Bera, Blessing Eawo and Charity Levula, sued the oil giant Shell for its alleged role in the unlawful arrest, detention and execution of their husbands in 1995 by the administration of former military Head of State, the late Gen. Sani Abacha.

The Court, sitting in Hague, ruled against a submission that it lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

The plaintiffs had instituted the suit with regard to Shell’s involvement in the unlawful arrest, detention and execution of their husbands by the Federal Government.

The Court established its jurisdiction of the case and ruled that Shell should hand over some confidential internal documents to the plaintiffs’ lawyers, and that they would have the opportunity to examine witnesses.

Read also: ANAMBRA: NHRC claims 523 children languishing in jail

Speaking on the Court ruling, the Head of Business & Human Rights of Amnesty International, Mark Dummett, said: “This decision marks a vital step towards justice for Esther and the other plaintiffs. It also sets an important precedent for other victims around the world who are seeking to hold powerful corporations to account, and who struggle to access justice.

“We salute Esther Kiobel, Victoria Bera, Blessing Eawo and Charity Levula. It’s only because of their courage and persistence that we’ve got this far.”

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