The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, has ruled in favour of Martreach Logistics Limited in two separate applications filed in its ongoing legal dispute with Shell Production Development Company Limited, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Attorney-General of the Federation, and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company.
The commercial case, which has been before the court since 2019, relates to a contract for the provision of stevedoring services at the Bonga onshore and offshore terminal.
In the first ruling, Justice Bello Kawu approved Martreach Logistics’ request for future court proceedings to be conducted virtually through approved online platforms. Although the court observed that no evidence was presented to confirm the overseas travel of the witness cited in the application, it held that allowing virtual hearings would serve the interest of justice.
The court also granted an interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants from interfering with or revoking Martreach Logistics’ appointment as Dock Labour Employer under a 10-year stevedoring contract, pending the final determination of the suit.
The injunction further prevents the respondents from advertising, inviting bids, negotiating, or reopening the contract while the matter remains before the court.
Court records showed that the application for the injunction was not opposed by the respondents, leading to its approval.
The proceedings also revealed that the case resumed before the High Court after the Court of Appeal concluded an interlocutory appeal earlier in the year, allowing the substantive matter to continue.
While one of the respondents opposed the application for virtual proceedings, the judge ruled that ensuring the smooth continuation of the trial outweighed the objections raised, allowing the case to proceed remotely.
