Italian Court Acquits Shell, Eni Of Oil Fraud Charges In Nigeria

A Milan Appeal Court acknowledged on Tuesday the dropping of criminal proceedings in a Nigeria corruption case, finalising the acquittal of Eni and Shell , as well as managers including Eni CEO, Claudio Descalzi.

General prosecutor, Celestina Gravina, in an unprecedented move in a Milan court, had filed a waiver request at the start of the appeal trial earlier on Tuesday, saying, the case had no grounds.

The Tribunal Prosecutor’s Office, which is a separate body, and the Nigerian government had previously sought to appeal a March 2021 ruling acquitting the two companies and defendants.

Now the appeal will only continue for the civil proceedings, as Nigeria has sued for compensation.