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The Nigerian farmer who sued an oil giant

Eric Barizaa Dooh took Shell to court over pollution in a landmark case that stunned the world. He took on the company in the Netherlands, to restore his father's legacy.

It was a landmark court case against Shell over pollution, that many said could not be won. Eric Barizaa Dooh was working as his father's farm manager in 2004 when there was an oil leak on their land in the Niger Delta. The spill and resulting fire caused widespread damage to the environment and the farm. Eric, his father, and three other farmers from other villages launched a legal case against Shell in its home country of the Netherlands. It would take 13 years to find out the result.

This interview was first broadcast in April 2023.

Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producer: Rob Wilson

(Photo: Eric Barizaa Dooh. Credit: Marten van Dijl/Milieudefensie)

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com

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27 minutes

Last on

Mon 31 Jul 2023 02:32GMT

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Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

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