The Ogoni Liberation Initiative (OLI) has filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an interlocutory injunction restraining the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and other government officials from accessing or disbursing ₦62.55 billion approved as a cost variation for projects the group claims have already been completed.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1524/26, names HYPREP, its Project Coordinator, the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, the Head of the Accounts Department, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Minister of Environment as defendants.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the group’s Convener, Dr. Douglas Fabeke, OLI is challenging the approval, alleging that the cost variation was irregular, lacked due process, and amounted to a misappropriation of public funds earmarked for the environmental remediation of Ogoniland.
Fabeke said the organisation had submitted documentary evidence before the court alleging fraudulent financial transactions within HYPREP.
He also criticised the relevant National Assembly committee for allegedly failing to release the outcome of its oversight investigation, claiming that more than ₦400 billion in project funds were unaccounted for.
“The current situation of the Ogoni people is heartbreaking. Billions have been budgeted, yet our communities remain polluted and impoverished,” he said, adding that the group would pursue the matter through both Nigerian and international legal mechanisms until accountability is achieved.
The group further called for the removal of the Minister of Environment over alleged involvement in financial misconduct and failure to respond to concerns raised by stakeholders.
OLI said it had compiled and processed 368 pieces of evidence to support its case, stressing that the legal action was aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and environmental justice rather than targeting individuals. It added that more details of the case would be made public as proceedings continue.
