Sacked Staff Drag CBN to Court

Several former employees of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) who were recently dismissed as part of the bank’s reorganization efforts are now seeking legal redress, challenging the legality of their termination and demanding their full entitlements.

Leading the legal battle, Mr. Ola Olanipekun (SAN), the attorney representing some of the affected employees, announced on Thursday that cases have been filed before the National Industrial Court in Abuja. In a statement shared with newsmen, Olanipekun emphasized that the employees are asserting their right to a fair hearing.

Olanipekun highlighted that the CBN’s actions have caused significant harm to the employees involved. He revealed that they are asking the court to compel the bank to pay all outstanding salaries, allowances, and other entitlements owed to them.

One of the claimants, who had nine years of service remaining before his dismissal, is reported to have been earning over N1.6 million monthly. The claimant is now requesting the court to ensure that he is compensated for all lost earnings up until the date of judgment.

Furthermore, the claimants are seeking an order for the payment of N178.3 million, representing the salaries and allowances they would have earned until their rightful retirement date in August 2033. Additionally, they are pursuing N100 million in general damages against the CBN for the losses and distress caused by the termination.

The legal filing, dated August 22, 2024, is supported by a 27-paragraph affidavit submitted by one of the claimants.