By Moses Gbande
A former staff of the West African Seasoning and Co. Limited, (WASCO), producers of the popular Ajino Motor, Musa Garba Rugo, has draged the company before Hon. Justice Dr. I. J Essien of National Industrial Court of Nigeria holden in Makurdi for unlawful dismisal.
In a suit no NICN/MKD/30/2021, file by the claimant’s counsel, Zabili Iliya Esq. of James Ochojila and Associates, Lafia, Musa in his statement of claim avarred that his dismisal was unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect.
The claimant is seeking the declaration of the honourable court to direct the company to pay him N50, 000, 000. 00 general damages for mental anguish, trauma, psychological stress, and set back cost of the suit.
Also in his statement of claim, Musa Garba Rugo is seeking an order of the court to direct his former employer to reinstate him to his position with full rights, privileges and entilement and pay his salaries, allowances, bounes and other benefits/entitlement 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 for hearing at the weekend the defence counsel, E. J Alpha in a motion filed preliminary objection to the claimant’s statement of claim, the motion which was not objected 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 our reporter, 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 investigation the company discovered the claimant committed serious misconducts 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 8 April, 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 it’s cost, with documents before the court and the two parties are set for legal battle.
Having listened to both parties, the presiding Judge, Hon Justice Dr. I. J Easien adjourned the case to 25 May, 2022 for hearing,
Nasarawa Reporters 