BUSINESS
Italian Court Orders Trial Of Eni, Shell Over Malabu Scandal
An Italian federal judge has approved the prosecution of Royal Dutch Shell and Italian giant, Eni over the $1.3 billion controversial sales of OPL 245 oil block.
The judge also ordered that Eni executive, Claudio Descalzi, and his predecessor, Paolo Scaroni, should be tried for their role in bribery and corruption scandal.
The trial is expected to commence on March 5, 2018, Italian media reports said Wednesday, December 20.
Reacting to the judgment, the Italian firm said: “Eni’s Board of Directors has reaffirmed its confidence that the company was not involved in alleged corrupt activities in relation to the transaction.
“Eni expresses its full confidence in the judicial process and that the trial will ascertain and confirm the correctness and integrity of its conduct,” the Italian firm said in a statement Wednesday.
Eni noted in particular that its “chief executive Claudio Descalzi was not involved in the alleged illegal conduct”.
Similarly, Shell said in a statement: “We are disappointed by the outcome of the preliminary hearing and the decision to indict Shell and its former employees. We believe the trial judges will conclude that there is no case against Shell or its former employees.
“Shell attaches the greatest importance to business integrity. It’s one of our core values and is a central tenet of the Business Principles that govern the way we do business. Shell has clear rules on anti-bribery and corruption and these are included in our Code of Conduct for all staff. There is no place for bribery or corruption in our company”, the statement added.
Italian prosecutors had earlier indicted Shell and Agip for their role in the 2011 deal in which Nigeria sold the lucrative oil block to the two oil majors during the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
Nigerians indicted in the deal, which was approved by former Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan include a former petroleum minister, Dan Etete, and a former Attorney-General, Bello Adoke.
Similarly, Shell and Eni’s Nigerian subsidiary, Agip, are among those already being prosecuted in Nigeria.
Written by Joe Ogbodu
[Widget_Twitter id=”1″]
Delta Police Arrest 3 Suspected Cultists, Recover AK-47, Pump-Action Guns
Joint Security Operatives Rescue 20 Abducted Prospective NYSC Corps Members, Civilian in Imo
Umahi: Contractors who Collect FG funds and Abandon Projects risk EFCC, ICPC action
Ondo Traditional Chief Shot Dead During Colleague’s Burial Rites
Edo Security: Group Lauds Gov Okpebholo For Ending Cult Killings, Tackling Kidnapping
Peter Obi: ‘I Have No Evidence I Won 2023 Presidential Election’
Delta North: Okowa Hails Asagba of Asaba’s Two Years Of Service-Driven Leadership
Trans-Forcados Oil Spill: Oborevwori Orders Medical Teams, Cleanup as Affected Communities Rise to 216
Rufai’s Bail Fight Takes New Turn as Appeal Court Reserves Judgment
DOPF 2026 Conference: Prof Dode Oghenedoro to Speak on Democracy Under Pressure in Asaba
NAF Releases Names of 25 Officers Killed in Ondo Plane Crash — Full List
WUEDA DG Ejinyere Hosts Warri NUJ, Seeks Partnership on Development Reporting, Project Verification
I Sleep, Eat Thinking About Tinubu’s Re-Election — Wike
Tinubu Declares 3-Day National Mourning for 32 Air Force Personnel Killed in Ondo Plane Crash
Tennor Global Acquires 65% Stake in Alpha Energy International With $500 Million Funding for Oil Expansion
