Court Rules Against Employee Dismissal, Orders Compensation

By Felix Kuyinu

The National Industry Court in Lagos has ruled against the sacking of an employee at the British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited, BATN.

Sufyan Yesufu was relieved of his duties as Management Trainee at the company on February 2, 2011, as informed at the court proceedings.

Justice Maureen Esowe, who presided over the procedings on Monday, uttered that the dismissal was issued without adherence to due process.

Justice Esowe also held that his dismissal was wrongful and constituted unfair labour practice.

While, ruling, the judge said:“The summary dismissal of the claimant after the meetings of January 4 and January 7, 2011, was against the disciplinary rules outlined in the claimant’s terms and conditions of employment”.

“This court is directing BATN to pay Yesufu N300,211.08, which represents his February 2011 salary, and an additional N400,000 as costs assessed for the action.

“The issue for determination is resolved partly in favour of the claimant. Save for the reliefs outlined below, all other reliefs of the claimant are dismissed”.

Prior to the rulling, Yesufu had issued a complain in a suit marked NICN/LA/362/2013 in disgruntlement of his dismissal.

He also pointed out that his dismissal occurred before the agreed six-week review period of his management development program.