Court Sanctions CBN over delay in sacked workers’ case
Story by Susan Mbamah
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division, has imposed a fine of ₦620,000 on the Central Bank of Nigeria for causing delays in the hearing of cases filed by 62 former employees challenging their dismissal.
Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae issued the penalty after ruling that a fresh application filed late by the CBN’s legal team stalled proceedings. The court noted that the bank’s move forced an adjournment in a matter that had been scheduled for hearing.
Counsel to the former employees, Ola Olanipekun (SAN), had objected to the late filing, describing it as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the progress of the suit. He urged the court to impose punitive costs to deter further delays.
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In response, CBN’s counsel, Wilson Inam (SAN), apologised to the court, insisting the application, which sought to convert the originating summons into writs, was necessary because, according to the bank, several facts in the matter were in dispute.
The judge rejected the explanation and held that the conduct of the apex bank amounted to delaying justice. She subsequently ordered the CBN to pay ₦10,000 to each of the 62 claimants, amounting to a total of ₦620,000, before the matter can continue.
The ex-staff were among those dismissed on May 23, 2024, during a reorganisation exercise by the bank. They are asking the court to declare their termination unlawful, arguing that the action violated provisions of the CBN Act 2007 and the bank’s internal human-resource policies.
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The case has been adjourned to January 12, 2026, for hearing of pending applications, including a motion for consolidation of the 62 suits and the CBN’s preliminary objections.
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