Francis Timi v ENI SpA and NAOC

In April 2010, an oil pipeline operated by Eni’s wholly owned Nigerian subsidiary (NAOC) burst and caused an environmental disaster that polluted water and land which in turn affected the Ikebiri community’s livelihoods. Following the event, an inspection concluded that the spill was caused by an equipment failure. The leak was closed and the polluted area was burned without the community's consent. No compensation nor clean-up were arranged, so community members initiated legal proceedings in NIgerian courts. Given the lack of effectictive access to justice, Ododo Francis Timi, as the legal representative of Ikebiri community, brought a claim in Eni’s home state- Italy.