Leigh Day Solicitors has been cleared of unauthorized disbursements in connection with a £55 million settlement the firm negotiated in relation to a Shell oil spill near Bodo, Nigeria that severely contaminated creeks, rivers, and waterways.

"The evidence does not satisfy me that the eight claimants have ever been authorised to bring this claim by a valid decision of the GA (Bodo People's General Assembly)  or CCE (Council of Chiefs and Elders)," Andrew Twigger, the King's Counsel barrister sitting as judge, ruled in his decision today at the High Court in London.