An Abuja division of the Federal High Court on Wednesday ordered Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to pay the sum of N45.9 billion to the people of Ogoni in Rivers State.
The money is a cost awarded against the oil giant several years ago for the devastating spillage in Ogoniland.
In making the order, Justice Ahmed Mohammed held that the money must be paid within 21 days.
Earlier in his submission, Counsel to Shell, Aham Ejelamo had informed the court that the oil firm had agreed to make the payment.
The lawyer however asked that the money be paid through the Registrar of the court in a bank account to be opened for the purpose.
The judge however refused the request and ordered that the payment be made within the period given through the account of the lawyer to the Ogoni people, Mr. Lucius Nwosu, SAN.
Justice Mohammed explained that this was in line with the decision of both the high court and the Supreme Court.
Shell and the Ogoni people have series of litigations in Nigeria and overseas. This case in question lasted for about 31 years.
In a judgement delivered on June 14, 2010, the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court presided by Justice Ibrahim Buba awarded the cost against Shell for the sufferings inflicted on the people of Ogoniland.
Shell had appealed the judgement up to the Supreme Court and after several years of legal battle. the Supreme Court upheld the judgement of the lower court.