Amnesty International said today that in 2020 Shell will face unprecedented legal scrutiny for decades of human rights violations in Nigeria, including murder.
The allegations against the oil giant - which faces a series of accusations in European courts - range from complicity in illegal executions to systematic pollution to environmental damage in the Niger Delta.
According to the organization, it has researched Shell's activities in the Niger Delta more than twenty years ago, collecting compelling evidence of the company's role in human rights violations.
In a report released today, the organization highlights the various cases that ultimately led to the police appearing in court.
Mark Dumett, Amnesty International's head of business, security and human rights, said the company has benefited from weaknesses in Nigeria's justice and regulatory systems, which have caused great damage to life in Nigeria and livelihoods, "while profits continue to flow to its European headquarters."
Amnesty International researchers interviewed people from several Niger Delta communities on the continuing impact of pollution and oil spills. The customary ruler of the Ugali community, "King" Okabbe, says, "It has spoiled our waters and destroyed our livelihoods. It is now spending millions to protect itself and tell the world that it bears no responsibility towards the Ugali people, instead of addressing the mistake it has done to us."
Others talked about its negative role in water poisoning and the stoppage of agriculture in a large number of regions.
Amnesty International had previously called for the oil giant to be charged with complicity in the unlawful arrest and detention and execution of nine men hanged by the military government of Nigeria in the 1990s, after a new lawsuit was launched in the Netherlands against the company in relation to four of the Executions carried out.
The civil lawsuit was filed by Esther Kuebel, the widow of Dr. Parinem Kuebel, and three other women. Esther Kuebel pursued "Shell" for twenty years due to the death of her husband. The Nine Ugonites, "and their timely executions sparked a worldwide outcry.
Esther Kyobel accuses "Shell" of complicity in the unlawful arrest and detention of her husband, of violating his personal integrity, and of violating his right to a fair trial, his right to life, and her personal right to family life.
Amnesty International supported Esther's legal team to file a case in the Netherlands, and issued a brief report at the time titled "In the dock" detailing the role Shell played in executions.