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KUMAI BAYANG AKA'AHS, J.S.C. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): Four separate actions were instituted by the Plaintiffs herein seeking damages from Shell Development Company of Nigeria Limited for oil spillage. The said suits Nos. W/16/83, W/17/83, W/72/83 and W/80/83 were instituted for and on behalf of Obotobo, Sokebolo, Ofogbene (Ezon Burutu) and Ekeremor Zion (Ezon Asa) Communities respectively. The suits were consolidated by Order of the then Bendel State High Court on 21/3/85. At the end of the trial in which parties called witnesses, the trial court in a judgment delivered on 27th May, 1997 in favour of the Plaintiffs awarded damages as follows:-
1. Suit No. W/16/83 - ₦4,095,085.00
2. Suit No. W/17/83 - ₦13,278,306.00
3. Suit No. W/72/83 - ₦7,392,589.00
4. Suit No. W/80/83 - ₦5,522,701.00
The defendant was dissatisfied and appealed against the judgment to the Court of Appeal, Benin City in CA/8/255/97. The Court of Appeal delivered its judgment on 22nd May, 2000 dismissing the …