Hon. Justice Salisu Danjidda of the Uyo Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court has dismissed a claim of unlawful dismissal filed by Simeon against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), ruling that the suit lacked merit.
The Court found that CBN’s decision to terminate Simeon for prolonged absence without permission was lawful and fully aligned with the Bank’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, as well as the rules of natural justice.
Simeon had argued that he suffered a serious injury in an accident and was granted sick leave. He claimed that, despite being aware of his medical condition, CBN issued him queries for his prolonged absence, suspended him indefinitely, and eventually dismissed him after he appeared before the Central Disciplinary Committee to defend himself.
CBN, in its defense, stated that Simeon had been absent from duty without approval for approximately 223 working days. The Bank emphasized that its disciplinary actions were consistent with its established HR policies. It also pointed out that Simeon’s medical certificates did not meet the Bank’s requirements, which mandate documentation from either in-patient admission or referral by the Bank’s medical officers.
After reviewing the evidence, Justice Danjidda concluded that Simeon had failed to prove any breach of CBN’s HR policies. The Court held that the dismissal followed proper procedures, with Simeon given the opportunity to respond to queries and defend himself before the Disciplinary Committee.
“The decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria in dismissing Simeon 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 ruled. “Consequently, Simeon’s case fails, and the suit is dismissed in its entirety.”
