Alleged crude oil theft: Court grants FG’s request to amend charges against Shell

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Monday, granted leave to the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), to amend its $406.7m suit made against Shell Western Supply & Trading Ltd, over allegation of crude oil theft.

Counsel representing the plaintiff, Mr Ituah Imhanze, informed the court of an application for amendment of his statement of claim.

He urged the court to grant his application, and allow the plaintiff leave to tidy its pleadings.

The application for amendment was not opposed by the defence.

In a short ruling, Justice Olatoregun granted the application for amendment, but noted that there had been no remarkable progress in the suit since it was filed, other than amendments.

She, however, fixed May 31 and June 1 for hearing, adding that the plaintiff must ensure it served all amended processes on the defence.

The defendants in the suit are: Shell Petroleum Development. Company. Of Nigeria Limited and its subsidiary, Shell Western Supply & Trading Limited.

At the last hearing on the matter, the plaintiff’s counsel, Charles Nwabulu intimated the court of his application for the amendment of his pleadings.

Nwabulu further requested for the permission of the court to effect a withdrawal of an earlier application he had filed and put in the new application.