Oil companies causing environmental damage to host communities will now be investigated, the House of Representatives vowed on Wednesday.
The lawmaker representing Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok Constituency moved a motion, which led to the resolution to launch the investigate the cases.
The lawmaker told the House that some oil companies operating in Nigeria have not been complying with extant laws, particularly the PIA.
Citing section 233 of the PIA, Mr Jaha said the section “provides for the establishment of a fund for the mitigation of negative environmental impacts associated with decommissioning or abandonment of oil and gas fields and assets”.
He stated that most of the oil companies often abandon non-viable platforms and facilities at their operational bases without following the law.
Jaha added that “the abandoned facilities are impeding water transportation causing unimaginable dangers to farmers”.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) to investigate the environmental damage caused by non-compliance.
The session was presided over by the deputy speaker, Ben Kalu.
Meanwhile, an Ikeja Special Offences Court on Wednesday rejected the no-case submission filed by a woman, Portia Emilia, charged with N110 million fraud.
Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe, in her ruling, held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the defendant on the amended five-count charge bordering on stealing and fraud.
“I am satisfied that the prosecution has established a prima facie case, which the defendants are called upon to answer.
“The no-case submission is hereby overruled, and the defendants are called upon to enter their defence,” Abike-Fadipe said.
She adjourned until Jan. 18 2024 for the defendant to open her defence.
Emilia was arraigned on Aug.16, 2022 alongside her company, Savanah Crest Investment Ltd, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC).
The defendant had pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against her.
The EFCC counsel, Mr Franklin Ofoma, alleged the defendant stole the money from one Mrs Wendy Daniel and converted it to her personal use.
The prosecution had called two witnesses, tendered several documents and closed its case on March 16.
The defence counsel thereafter filed a no-case submission, arguing that with the evidence adduced by the EFCC, the defendant had no case to answer.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences contravened the Criminal Laws of Lagos State (2015) and the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Fraud Offences Act 2006.