Court of Appeal Enforces N2.5 Billion Judgment for Dismissed University Staff
In a decisive ruling that underscores the finality of court judgments, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed appeals by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), compelling immediate payment of a N2.5 billion award to 110 former university workers. The unanimous judgment, delivered by Justice Okon Abang, brings to a close a nearly three-decade legal battle originating from the staff’s disengagement in 1996. This ruling arrives during a period of significant institutional actions, such as when the Kano Govt revokes land titles and other entities make major operational decisions.
A Reprimand for Prolonged Litigation and Non-Compliance
The appellate court issued strongly worded judgments, criticizing both institutions for unnecessarily prolonging litigation and failing to obey subsisting court orders. Justice Abang specifically faulted the CBN for acting beyond its role and obstructing justice by frustrating the execution of a valid judgment, stating its conduct amounted to an abuse of process. The court found no lawful basis for the CBN’s involvement, as no claim was made against it in the original suit. The ruling reinforces that the National Industrial Court holds exclusive jurisdiction over labour matters, including post-judgment enforcement.
Case History and Final Costs Imposed
The protracted dispute began with the 1996 dismissal of the ABU staff, a decision later condemned by the university’s own internal panels. The CBN entered the matter as a garnishee following a National Industrial Court order for banks holding ABU’s funds to show cause. In dismissing the appeals, the Court of Appeal awarded additional costs of N5 million each against the CBN and ABU in favour of the workers. This financial penalty highlights a growing judicial impatience with delayed compliance, a principle relevant as other organizations, like when Amazon reduces workforce, must also adhere strictly to legal and regulatory frameworks.
The judgment serves as a stark warning to institutions about the financial and reputational risks of frustrating court orders. With no further avenue for appeal, the path is now clear for the former ABU workers to finally receive their long-awaited monetary benefits. This case concludes a significant chapter in Nigerian labour law, emphasizing that justice delayed, much like the urgency when the Lasg clears illegal structures or major policy shifts occur, ultimately demands resolution.
