By Danjuma Amodu | 31 January 2026
The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal challenging the Court of Appeal’s jurisdictional decision, striking out a N1.4 billion compensation suit filed against Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (now Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited) over alleged acquisition of community land in Akwa Ibom State.
In a unanimous judgement on 30 January 2026, the apex court held that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain claims relating to land disputes and compensation arising from compulsory acquisition and unexhausted improvements, citing the Land Use Act.
The dispute began in 1997 when His Royal Highness, Obong David Edu, and 132 others sued Mobil, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and the Akwa Ibom State Government, seeking compensation for land allegedly acquired by the state government. The Federal High Court awarded N379,988,000 with interest, but the Court of Appeal set aside the judgement, citing lack of jurisdiction.
The claimants appealed to the Supreme Court, but the apex court upheld Mobil’s argument and dismissed the appeal. It reaffirmed that claims for compensation arising from compulsory land acquisition and unexhausted improvements fall under State High Courts’ jurisdiction. The ruling affirms the Court of Appeal’s decision and nullifies the N379.9 million award granted by the Federal High Court.
The Supreme Court upheld Mobil’s argument, reaffirming that such claims fall under State High Courts’ exclusive jurisdiction. The ruling nullifies the earlier award and ends a nearly three-decade dispute.
Representatives: NNPC: Dr Okiemute Akpomudge (Albert Akpomudge, SAN), Akwa Ibom State Government: J Jerome Akpan, Appellants: Ekom Nwoko.
The decision ends a nearly three-decade dispute, reinforcing court jurisdiction limits in land and compensation matters.
