The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has ordered Heritage Energy Operational Services Ltd (HEOSL) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to immediately halt all ongoing discharge of crude oil and gas from Well 14 in Uzere Kingdom, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State.
​The order was delivered on Monday, August 17, 2026, at the Federal High Court complex in Port Harcourt by presiding judge, Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed. The ruling follows an ex parte application in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/132/2026, filed by counsel N.O. Akporuvweku on behalf of the Ovie of Uzere Kingdom, Udogri Isaac I, representing the Uzere Traditional Council and the broader local community.
​The applicant alleged that an oil well blowout at OML 30’s Well 14, which occurred on June 26, 2026, led to uncontained environmental degradation affecting farmlands, fish ponds, and local water sources.
​During the court proceedings, counsel for the defendants, O.O. Jarikre and Akomaye, acknowledged receipt of the motion and informed the court that inter-party discussions were progressing without opposition to the application.
In response to the severity of the ecological threat, Justice Mohammed granted the injunction halting oil operations at the site and mandated the defendants to file an interim compliance report within 14 days.
Highlighted statements on the court order include speech from Chief Odio Lucky (Uzere Community Representative); he welcomed the court’s intervention, describing the order as a crucial victory for the protection of local livelihoods and the ecosystem.
E.K. Omare, SAN (Lead Counsel for the Applicant): Stated via phone interview that the decision establishes a pivotal precedent for corporate accountability and environmental remediation in the Niger Delta.
Sola Adebawo (General Manager, Government, JV & External Relations, HEOSL) maintained in prior corporate statements that HEOSL remains committed to environmental stewardship and strict regulatory compliance across OML 30 assets.
Benjamin Ogeibiri (Warri Zonal Head, NOSDRA) confirmed regulatory oversight is actively underway, with the Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) concluded to guide further remediation steps.
​The decision was met with widespread celebration by Uzere community leaders, who hailed the order as a crucial victory for local livelihoods, public health, and corporate environmental accountability.
