By David Odama (In Lafia, Nasarawa State)
A former staff of the West African Seasoning and Co. Limited, (WASCO), producers of the popular Ajino Moto, Musa Garba Rugo, has dragged his former employer before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria sitting in Makurdi for unlawful dismissal.
In a suit no NICN/MKD/30/2021, filed by the complainant's Counsel, Zabili Iliya Esq. of Jamea Ochojila and Associates before Justice Dr. I. J Essien in Lafia, Musa in his statement of claim averred that his dismissal from the company was unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void, and of no effect.
The claimant is therefore seeking the honorable court to direct his former employer to pay him N50, 000, 000. 00 general damages for mental anguish, trauma, psychological stress, and set back the cost of the suit.
Musa in his further claim is seeking an order of the court to direct his former company to reinstate him to his position with full rights, entitlements, privileges and pay his salaries, allowances, bonuses, and other benefits from May 27, 2020 to the date of judgment for dismissing him without recourse to lay down procedure among other reliefs.
When the case came up at the weekend, the defense counsel, E. J Alpha in a motion filed a preliminary objection to the claimant's statement of claim, the motion which was not objected to by counsel to the claimant, Zabili Iliya.
In his defence filled before the court by the defense counsel, E. J Alpha which was obtained by NIGERIAN NEWSLEADER Correspondent in Lafia, pleaded that the company commenced investigating the claimant having noticed irregularities at the Makurdi branch of the company and requested the claimant, Musa Garba Rugo to step aside pending the outcome of the investigation.
In the document, the defendant said upon completion of the investigation, the company discovered the claimant committed serious misconduct and also engaged in dishonesty and fraudulent acts which contravene the company"s rules and regulations contained in the company handbook.
The defendant stated that it informed the claimant of its findings via a memo dated 31, March 2020, claiming that the claimant in his response on April 8, 2020, admitted the allegations.
The defendant is therefore praying the court to dismiss the suit filed by the claimant with substantial and full indemnity as to cost with the document before the court. The two parties are set for legal battle.
The presiding judge, Justice Dr. I. J Essien, adjourned the case to 25th May, 2022 for hearing, having heard from two parties during court sitting in Makurdi, the Benue state capital. NNL.
