Opl 245 latest news
The OPL 245 scandal!
For those who may not know, OPL 245 is a Nigerian oil block that has been at the center of a massive corruption scandal involving Shell, Eni, and the Nigerian government.
Here are the latest developments:
Recent News:
- Italian Court Convicts Eni and Shell Executives: In October 2020, an Italian court convicted Eni's CEO, Claudio Descalzi, and Shell's former CEO, Peter Voser, of corruption related to the OPL 245 deal. The court sentenced Descalzi to 2 years and 6 months in prison, while Voser was acquitted.
- Nigerian Government Seeks to Reclaim Stolen Funds: In November 2020, the Nigerian government announced that it would seek to reclaim the $1.1 billion paid by Shell and Eni for the OPL 245 block, which was allegedly stolen through corruption.
- Shell and Eni Appeal Convictions: Both Shell and Eni have appealed the Italian court's convictions, arguing that the trial was unfair and that there was no evidence of corruption.
- New Evidence Emerges: In December 2020, a new report by the Italian anti-corruption agency, ANAC, revealed that Shell and Eni had made secret payments to Nigerian officials to secure the OPL 245 deal.
Background:
The OPL 245 scandal dates back to 2011, when Shell and Eni agreed to pay $1.1 billion for the oil block, which was allegedly owned by the Nigerian government. However, an investigation by the Italian authorities revealed that the money was actually paid to Nigerian officials, including former President Goodluck Jonathan's adviser, Dan Etete, who was accused of laundering the funds.
The scandal has led to widespread outrage and calls for accountability, with many arguing that the deal was a classic example of corruption and cronyism in Nigeria.
What's Next:
The OPL 245 scandal is ongoing, with multiple investigations and legal proceedings underway. The Nigerian government is seeking to reclaim the stolen funds, while Shell and Eni are fighting to clear their names. The scandal has also led to calls for greater transparency and accountability in the oil and gas industry.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story!