Wale IgbintadeA Federal High Court in Lagos has nullified a resolution of the House of Representatives directing Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited to pay N72.624 billion as compensation to communities over alleged oil spill incidents. The court held that the National Assembly exceeded its constitutional powers by assuming the judicial function of determining civil liability and awarding damages. Egbon of Matthew Bukka & Co., argued that the House of Representatives had unlawfully usurped the constitutional powers of the judiciary by determining the company’s civil liability and ordering it to pay damages. No legal representation appeared on behalf of the House of Representatives during the proceedings. The court held that by directing Seplat to pay N72.624 billion as damages, the House effectively exercised judicial powers reserved exclusively for the courts under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).