Justice Mohammed Danjuma, who delivered the lead judgment, held that the Police Service Commission (PSC) violated due process in compulsorily retiring ACP Idachaba. The judge ruled that the retirement breached his constitutional right to a fair hearing. The directive demanding salary reimbursement from August 1, 2015, was declared unlawful and unenforceable.

The decision followed an appeal filed by Idachaba’s legal representative, Chikaosolu Ojukwu SAN. The appeal challenged a National Industrial Court ruling from May 15, 2024, which had upheld the PSC’s action.

According to court documents, Idachaba was promoted to ACP in 2023. Shortly after, his salary was stopped, and he was compulsorily retired without being informed of any formal allegations. He was also denied access to the PSC plenary session records where the decision was allegedly made.

Ojukwu argued that the PSC’s actions contravened multiple constitutional and statutory provisions governing police service and disciplinary procedures. He also cited a 2023 Supreme Court decision (NPF & Ors v. PSC & Anor) confirming that the PSC cannot delegate disciplinary authority to the Nigeria Police Force or any third party.

The Appeal Court agreed with the arguments. It ruled the compulsory retirement invalid and ordered full reinstatement of ACP Idachaba, including all rights and benefits effective from August 18, 2023. Although the court dismissed his N100 million damages claim, it awarded him N2 million in compensation. The PSC and the Nigeria Police Force were ordered to pay the amount jointly.

This judgment marks a significant precedent. It emphasizes the importance of due process in disciplinary matters affecting senior police officers and reaffirms legal protections for public servants under Nigerian law.

The post Court of Appeal Reinstates Retired ACP Idachaba, Overturns Eight-Year Salary Refund Order appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The layoffs were reportedly part of a reorganization strategy implemented by the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The plaintiffs, who argue that their terminations were abrupt and unjust, are demanding payment for outstanding salaries, allowances, and other entitlements.

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Mr. Ola Olanipekun (SAN), Lead Counsel for some of the affected staff, presented court documents to journalists in Jos, Plateau State, stating that the legal action aims to enforce the plaintiffs’ rights to a fair hearing. “The unlawful actions of the apex bank have caused monumental damages to my clients, amounting to hundreds of millions of Naira,” Olanipekun said. “We are asking the court to ensure that the CBN pays all claimants their due monthly salaries, allowances, and other entitlements.”

Olanipekun highlighted a case involving one claimant who had nine years of service remaining. The individual would have earned N1,621,455.70 monthly if the employment had not been terminated. The council is requesting the court to order the CBN to pay N178,360,127.00, covering the period from the termination until the claimant’s expected retirement date on August 4, 2033.

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Additionally, the claimant is seeking N100,000,000 as general damages for wrongful termination, along with N30,000,000 to cover litigation costs. They also request a 21% post-judgment interest per annum on all awarded sums until fully paid, plus any further orders the court deems appropriate.

The lawsuit, initiated through an Originating Summons dated August 22, 2024, is supported by a 27-paragraph affidavit submitted by the claimant.

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This follows reports in May 2024, which detailed the mass layoffs under the CBN’s reorganization strategy.

The post Sacked CBN Staff Sue Apex Bank Over Unpaid Entitlements and Damages appeared first on Housing TV Africa.