A coalition of Nigerian and international civil society organisations has raised serious concerns over what it describes as a troubling pattern of absence by representatives of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) in an ongoing environmental justice case at the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
In a strongly worded communication addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, the groups expressed alarm over the repeated failure of government legal representatives to appear in court, a development they say is undermining justice and accountability in a case involving allegations of large-scale environmental pollution.
The case, filed by King Bubaraiye Dakolo, the traditional ruler of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, is before the Federal High Court, Bayelsa Division (Suit No: FHC/YNG/CS/81/2025). The suit is instituted against Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, Shell Petroleum N.V., and Shell UK Plc over alleged environmental degradation affecting thousands of residents.
According to the coalition, proceedings on March 18, 2026, could not move forward due to the absence of representatives from the AGF’s office. This marks the sixth adjournment since the case was first heard on June 20, 2025 and most of which, they noted, were caused by the failure of government counsel or relevant agencies to attend court sittings. The groups warned that this pattern is fast becoming a “justice delayed, justice denied” scenario, raising serious questions about the commitment of public institutions to uphold the rule of law.
“The case is of significant public interest, as it seeks justice for victims of oil pollution allegedly linked to the operations of Shell, and addresses broader concerns around corporate accountability and environmental responsibility in the Niger Delta. The repeated absence of AGF representatives was described as “deeply disappointing” and cautioned that it risks escalating into a national and international scandal if not urgently addressed.” Statement reads.
With the next hearing scheduled for May 6, 2026, following yet another adjournment requested by a government representative, the coalition called on the AGF to take immediate steps to ensure full and timely participation of its legal team in the proceedings. They also disclosed that the case is being closely monitored, with plans to report developments to both the Nigerian public and the international community, particularly on issues of human rights, environmental justice, and government accountability.
The statement was endorsed by a broad coalition of organisations, including Hawkmoth, HEDA Resource Centre, Justice 4 Nigeria, Help Initiative for Social Justice and Humanitarian Development, The Corner House, Tsvek Consulting Limited, Enamel Development Initiative, Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre, Women Initiative on Climate Change, League of Queens Empowerment International, re•generation, Lekeh Development Foundation, Samuel Uchechukwu Chukwure’s Family (Ibaa Community), 350 Hawaii, Allen +, Network Advancement Program for Poverty & Disaster Risk Reduction, Eagle Eye Transparency And Integrity Initiative, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Miideekor Environmental Development Initiative, Collective Pathways, Both ENDS, Powershift Africa, Rights Advocacy and Development Centre, FENRAD Nigeria, and Socio Economic Research and Development Centre.
Other endorsing organisations include Cherokee Concerned Citizens, Oil Change International, Climate Action for Lifelong Learners, Earthlife Africa Durban, ReCommon, Social Action Nigeria, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Centre for Renewable Energy and Action on Climate Change, Weka Afri Sustainable Biodiversity and Food Security Foundation, Urgewald, War on Want, Animals Are Sentient Beings Inc, Amnesty International Nigeria, Amnesty International, Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, Peer Foundation, Batani Foundation, Policy Alert, Vessel Project of Louisiana, Public Service of Ukraine Poltava Branch, Platform London, Safe Space Development Foundation, Justice Institute Guyana, Mothers Rise Up, Eco Clean Active Initiative, The Future We Need, BudgIT, and SOMO.
The coalition reiterated that ensuring diligent legal representation is not only a constitutional responsibility but also a moral obligation in the pursuit of justice for affected communities in the Niger Delta.
