Sacked CBN workers challenge their disengagement in court - Newstrends
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Sacked CBN workers challenge their disengagement in court

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Sacked CBN workers challenge their disengagement in court

Some officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria whose appointments were terminated in March this year under the leadership of the Governor, Yemi Cardoso, have dragged the apex bank to the National Industrial Court.

The ex-CBN officials, through their lawyers Isa Mohammed and Associates, are challenging the legality of their termination of appointment and demanding that the court reinstate them as their sacking was not done in line with the Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual of the CBN.

Newstrends had in May this year reported that fourteen directors of the apex bank and over 300 other officials of the CBN were sacked by the bank.

The sacking brought the list of those so far disengaged from the bank under the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso to over 500.

The mass sacking cuts across 29 departments, affecting all cadres from directors to deputy directors, assistant directors, principal managers, senior managers and lower-ranking staff like executive trainees.

Most of the members of staff affected were branch operations officials across the 36 branches in the 36 states of the federation and the headquarters in FCT.

Some of those who were earlier transferred from the headquarters to the branches were affected by the latest action, as they received their disengagement letters through emails.

A sample of the termination letter read, “In line with our new mission and vision, the Bank is currently undergoing a significant organizational and human capital restructuring process.

“As a result of this review, I have been directed to notify you that your services will not be required with effect from Friday, 24th May 2024. Your final entitlements will be calculated and paid to you in due course.”

But in the court affidavit dated October 21, 2024, which was obtained by THE WHISTLER, the workers claimed that they were unjustly sacked at a time when some of them had about seven years to their retirement date.

Part of the affidavit reads, “That it is the case of the claimants/applicants that the Unlawful termination of their appointment was not done for the alleged high-sounding phrase” on the grounds of reorganization and human capital restructuring.”

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“That the Claimants/Applicants state that the defendant/respondent has advertised the position of Directors skewed in such a way that all the Positions of Directors of the various Departments the Claimants/Applicants were heading as Directors, having late 2023 moved them to the FSS2020, a waiting point created by the Management of the Defendant/Respondent, for possible recruitment, even when the matter of unlawful termination of the Claimants/Applicant from the employ of the defendant/respondent is in Court and yet to be determined.

“That the claimants’/Applicants state that the letters issued to them on the 15th of March, 2024 by which the defendant/Respondent determined/terminated their employment was done contrary to the conditions of service.

“That the Claimants/Applicants state that their respective letters of employment specifically stated that their employment is subject to the conditions of service in force in the defendant/respondent from time to time. That the claimants/applicants state that payment in lieu of notice can only be paid to them on termination/determination of appointment after full.”

The Claimants/Applicants’ also stated through their counsel that they were discriminated against by the Defendant/Respondent, denied a fair hearing and were never queried for any act of misconduct by the Defendant before the determination of their respective appointments.

In the court document, the ex-CBN staff members also claimed that the action of the apex bank in advertising the vacancies of Directors, even when the matter is in Court, is an act of witch-hunt, which was done in bad faith and total disregard for its conditions of service and the Rule of Law.

Part of the court document reads, “The Claimants/Applicants’ states that the action of the Defendant/Respondent in advertising the vacancies of Directors, even when the matter is in Court, is an act of witch-hunt, which was done in bad faith and total disregard of its conditions of service and the Rule of Law.

“The Claimants/Applicants state that the Conditions of Service guarantee that in all cases of discipline, the relevant disciplinary Committee shall give a staff member against whom an allegation is made the opportunity to defend herself/himself.

“Sequel to the facts above, the Claimants/Applicants have initiated an action through their lawyers by way of a concurrent writ against the defendants seeking for reliefs as contained on the main suit.

“Unless the defendant is restrained by this Honorable court, it will destroy the subject matter of this suit and that will render the subject matter nugatory. Unless this application is granted, the claimants/Applicants will suffer further serious and grievous injustice.”

Sacked CBN workers challenge their disengagement in court

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Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

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Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Authorities in Benue State have launched an investigation following a disturbing incident at Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Aliade, where a female student was reportedly harassed and assaulted by her peers. The event has raised serious concerns over student safety and supervision in the state’s schools.

According to preliminary reports, the victim, a female student at the school, was subjected to inappropriate treatment by a group of classmates while on school premises. The incident came to light after other students alerted the school authorities, prompting the administration to notify local law enforcement.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed that officers have begun a formal investigation. Police spokespersons said statements are being taken from witnesses, and the identities of those involved are being verified. Officials have emphasized that the safety and well-being of all students remain a top priority.

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School management has pledged full cooperation with authorities, stating that disciplinary measures will be taken against any student found responsible, while also offering counselling services for both the victim and other students affected by the incident. Parents and community leaders have condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of students’ rights.

Child protection experts have stressed that incidents like this highlight the urgent need for robust safety policies, awareness programs, and reporting mechanisms within schools. They recommend that schools implement regular workshops on respect, personal boundaries, and peer conflict resolution to prevent future occurrences.

The case has sparked broader discussions across Benue State about the responsibilities of school administrators, teachers, and guardians in protecting students from harassment and ensuring a safe learning environment.

Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be thorough, and anyone found culpable will face legal consequences in accordance with Nigerian law.

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

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Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

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Cross River Police Spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah
Cross River Police Spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

Tension has gripped Ogoja following the alleged killing of a 26-year-old woman, Moshie Igu, by her boyfriend, sparking a violent protest in Cross River and renewed concerns over gender-based violence in Nigeria.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect, 35-year-old Malime Ejor, allegedly carried out the attack in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, at a farm in Nwang Village, Ekajuk community.

Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah disclosed that preliminary findings show the suspect reportedly lured the victim to a nearby stream, where he attacked her with a machete, leading to her death.

Operatives responded swiftly after the incident was reported, arresting the suspect and rescuing him from an attempted mob action by enraged youths at the scene. He is currently in custody, while arrangements are being made to deposit the victim’s remains at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja. The police further confirmed that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for a thorough and discreet investigation.

The situation escalated on Monday when hundreds of women and youths from Nwang I & II and other parts of the Ekajuk clan staged a protest, demanding the release of the suspect. The demonstrators marched to the Area Command in Ogoja, but the protest soon turned violent, with some protesters attacking officers and vandalising property, including a vehicle and parts of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) facility.

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Security operatives were forced to deploy smoke canisters to disperse the crowd, while at least eight individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest. Authorities say the situation is now under control, and in a bid to ease tensions, those arrested during the protest were later released to a community leader.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice, stressing that the suspect remains in custody and will face due legal process. With the case set for transfer to SCID, authorities are expected to deepen investigations and prepare for prosecution.

The incident has sparked fresh conversations around femicide, domestic violence, and the increasing cases of relationship-related killings in Nigeria. Analysts warn that attempts by communities to interfere in criminal investigations—such as demanding the release of suspects—could undermine justice and embolden perpetrators.

Residents and stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, as calls for justice for the victim continue to grow.

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

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Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

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Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State is CP Muhammad Rabiu

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, killing at least 13 people and abducting an unspecified number of guests.

The incident occurred late Sunday night in Kaduna State when heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire on attendees gathered for the celebration.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers arrived at about 11:47 p.m., shooting indiscriminately inside the wedding hall and causing widespread panic. A resident, Shehu Bala, said some guests sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.

According to reports, the gunmen operated for nearly an hour without resistance, leaving several casualties in their wake.

Injured victims were initially taken to Kagarko General Hospital, while those with critical injuries were later transferred to medical facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.

A community leader confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the attack and have since been buried. He added that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of those abducted by the assailants.

The attackers were also said to have looted shops within the community, carting away food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist during the raid.

“The entire community was thrown into panic due to the heavy gunfire, forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes,” the community leader said.

Police authorities in Kagarko have confirmed the incident but stated that investigations are still ongoing, particularly regarding the number of abducted victims. The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the attack, noting that a comprehensive report would be released upon conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside a serving senator, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

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