Court Ruling Favors Defendant in Unlawful Termination Job Case

In a recent development at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja division, a ruling was delivered in the case of Ayoola Joshua Ihimoyan versus the Registered Trustees of Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN). The suit, with reference number NICN/ABJ/361/2024, centers on the alleged unlawful termination of employment of Mr. Ayoola Joshua Ihimoyan, who served as the Finance Manager for the Defendant.

Mr. Ayoola Joshua Ihimoyan filed the suit following his purported wrongful dismissal on November 8, 2023. Seeking redress, he brought the matter before Honorable Justice E.D. Subilin, requesting that the termination of his employment be declared unlawful. Additionally, Mr. Ihimoyan claimed damages totaling ₦20,000,000 and other reliefs.

The proceedings commenced with a hearing on the motion on notice for an injunction to prevent the Defendant from filling the position of Finance Manager pending the determination of the suit. This hearing took place on March 6, 2024, with further rulings and hearings scheduled for April 15th and 16th, 2024.

On April 15th, 2024, the Claimant, Mr. Ayoola Joshua Ihimoyan, appeared in court, while the Defendant was represented by Grace Mamswa, Esq., the Legal Adviser. Legal counsels C. B. Ameh, Esq. and Caleb N. Ramnap, Esq. appeared for the Claimant and Defendant, respectively. The court ruled against the Applicant, citing that the action sought to be restrained had already been carried out, thus denying the injunction request.

During the proceedings, Mr. Ayoola Joshua Ihimoyan testified on his behalf, presenting exhibits marked as Exhibits 1-17. These exhibits were tendered and admitted as evidence. Furthermore, Mr. Ihimoyan underwent cross-examination by the Defendant's counsel.

The matter has been adjourned to May 10, 2024, for the continuation of the hearing.

The ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between Mr. Ayoola Joshua Ihimoyan and the Registered Trustees of CRUDAN. As the case progresses, stakeholders eagerly await further developments in this matter of employment rights and legal justice.