London High court probes Shell over Niger Delta pollution claims

Oil company Shell has long been in a dispute with Nigerian villagers who are suffering from environmental pollution due to its activities, especially in the Niger Delta. © Shell

The High Court in London commenced a hearing to address allegations that the oil company Shell has polluted vast areas of the Niger Delta in Nigeria, particularly in regions traditionally claimed by the Ogoni people.

Shell and its Nigerian subsidiary SPDC claim that the spills in the region were caused by sabotage or illegal refining.