Hearing in the dispute over the sale of oil mining lease (OML) 52, OML 53 and OML 55 between Britannia-U Nigeria Limited, Chevron and Seplat was Friday stalled following the absence of the presiding Justice of the Supreme Court panel, Justice Suleiman Galadima
Although counsel to the parties were in court before 9am, it was not until 2pm that they were notified that the contentious matter would not be heard owing to the “unavoidable” absence of the Presiding Justice, who had lost a family member.
Consequently, hearing in the appeal was adjourned sine di by the apex court and counsel expected to be issued with hearing notices when a fresh date has been fixed.
When the case last came up on May 18, 2015 the Supreme Court restrained Chevron, Seplat from selling the disputed oil blocks.
Specifically, the apex court ordered Chevron not to take any step or action regarding the sale of the oil mining lease (OMLs) 52, OML 53 and OML 55 – to Seplat Petroleum Development Company pending the determination of an appeal by Britannia-U Nigeria Limited.
