The National Industrial Court in Uyo has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Mr Simeon I. Umeh against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), ruling that his dismissal from the bank was lawful.
Delivering the judgment, Hon. Justice Salisu Danjidda held that the bank acted within its established rules when it terminated Mr Umeh’s employment over a prolonged absence from duty without permission.
Justice Danjidda stated that the CBN’s decision adhered to the provisions of its Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual and complied with the principles of natural justice. Consequently, the court found Mr Umeh’s claim to lack merit and dismissed the suit in its entirety.
In his case presented before the court, Mr Umeh had argued that his absence was due to an accident that caused a serious injury. He maintained that the bank was aware of his medical condition, having initially granted him sick leave.
Mr Umeh further told the court that, despite informing the bank of his ongoing health situation, he was later issued queries for his extended absence. He added that he was suspended indefinitely and subsequently invited to appear before the bank’s Central Disciplinary Committee, where he defended himself before his eventual dismissal.
However, the CBN, in its defence, contended that Mr Umeh was absent from duty without permission for approximately 223 working days. The bank informed the court that the disciplinary action was taken in line with its Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual.
The bank also argued that the medical certificates submitted by Mr Umeh did not meet the requirements stipulated in its policies. According to the CBN, the documents failed to demonstrate that Mr Umeh had been admitted as an in-patient or that he had been referred by the bank’s approved medical doctors, as the rules mandate.
After reviewing the evidence and submissions from both parties, Justice Danjidda held that the CBN followed due process. The court noted that Mr Umeh was issued queries, responded to them, and was given the opportunity to defend himself before the disciplinary committee. The judge ruled that Mr Umeh failed to prove the bank violated its procedures in dismissing him.
“It is my finding that the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria in dismissing Umeh for prolonged absence from duty without permission cannot be faulted, having complied with the Bank’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual and the rules of natural justice,” Justice Danjidda stated.
“Consequently, Umeh’s case fails, and the suit is dismissed in its entirety,” the court ruled.
