metro
Sacked CBN workers head to court, demand N30bn compensation

Sacked CBN workers head to court, demand N30bn compensation
Disengaged staff members of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who were laid off in a mass termination in 2023, have filed a lawsuit against the bank at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja.
The originating summons, filed on July 4, 2024, by 33 former employees, alleges several breaches by the CBN. The claimants argue that their constitutional right to a fair hearing was violated both before and after their terminations.
In their court filings, the former employees also accuse the CBN of contravening its internal policies, Nigerian labor laws, and the terms of their employment contracts.
They are seeking a judicial review to determine whether the termination of their appointments was lawful and in line with due process.
The claimants include Stephen Gana, Kabiru Idris, Benedict Agbo, Peter Adeyemi, John Yisa, Eleanor Ihua, and others. Represented by Okwudili Abanum in a class action lawsuit, they argued that the termination process, carried out through letters titled “Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring” dated April 5, 2024, contravened the CBN’s human resources policies and procedures manual as well as Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
The claimants further asserted that the termination process lacked the mandatory consultation and fair hearing required by law.
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They described the termination letters, issued under the guise of restructuring, as arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.
On these grounds, the former staff members sought an order declaring their dismissal null and void.
They also requested a restraining order to prevent the CBN from terminating their employment without adhering to proper procedures.
Additionally, the claimants demanded an immediate reinstatement of their positions, with payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.
They cited Article 16.4.1 of the Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual (HRPPM), which mandates consultation with the Joint Consultative Council and adherence to fair procedures before taking employment actions that adversely affect staff.
According to the claimants, the CBN flagrantly disregarded this provision, giving them only three days to vacate their positions and hand over official property.
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The group is also seeking N30bn in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm caused by the dismissal, as well as an additional N500m to cover the cost of the suit.
During the first mention of the case on November 20, 2024, the presiding judge, Justice O. A. Osaghae, urged both parties to pursue an amicable resolution.
“This is a new matter, mentioned for the first time. I have reviewed the processes and believe that the parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute. Consequently, parties are encouraged, pursuant to Section 20 of the NICA 2006, to seek amicable settlement,” Justice Osaghae said.
The CBN, represented by a legal team led by Inam Wilson (SAN), informed the court of a preliminary objection to the claimants’ suit filed on November 4, 2024.
The CBN’s counsel also noted that they had recently been served with the claimants’ response to the objection.
Following submissions by the defendant’s counsel, Justice Osaghae adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for a hearing on the preliminary objection.
It should be recalled that in 2024, the apex bank terminated the appointments of approximately 1,000 staff in four batches between March and May.
Some affected staff claimed they received severance payments as low as N5,000, while others said their gratuities were entirely absorbed to offset outstanding loans.
Although the layoff was officially attributed to “reorganisation and human capital restructuring,” the affected staff argued that the process violated the CBN Act, which requires board approval for significant employment decisions.
On December 4, 2024, the apex bank stated that its early exit package was entirely voluntary and came without negative repercussions for eligible staff.
Sacked CBN workers head to court, demand N30bn compensation
metro
Police dispel rumour of sexual assault victim as Seyi Tinubu’s sister

Police dispel rumour of sexual assault victim as Seyi Tinubu’s sister
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has clarified that a sexual assault case involving Ebunoluwa Fatoyinbo is not connected to the family of President Bola Tinubu.
This clarification comes after widespread social media reports claimed Fatoyinbo is the sister of Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son. According to the reports, Oscar Ilochi allegedly assaulted Fatoyinbo while she was exercising alone in a gym basement, prompting an investigation that includes reviewing the facility’s CCTV footage.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Josephine Adeh, the FCT police spokesperson, confirmed that the command has launched an investigation based on a formal complaint filed by Fatoyinbo. However, she emphasised that the police have not established any familial link between Fatoyinbo and the Tinubu family.
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“The FCT Police Command is aware of a circulating publication on social media alleging that the Command has commenced an investigation into a case of sexual assault involving Miss Ebunoluwa, purportedly referred to as the sister of Mr. Seyi Tinubu, son of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement read.
“The Command wishes to clarify that a formal complaint of sexual assault was indeed lodged by Miss Ebunoluwa Mitchell Fatoyinbo against one Oscar Ilochi, a resident of the Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja.”
Adeh urged the public, including media outlets and social media users, to verify information before publication and rely on official police channels for updates on ongoing investigations.
Police dispel rumour of sexual assault victim as Seyi Tinubu’s sister
metro
Niger Gov Bago makes U-turn on dreadlocks ban after backlash

Niger Gov Bago makes U-turn on dreadlocks ban after backlash
Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has reversed his controversial directive ordering the arrest of individuals with dreadlocks, following widespread backlash from the public and civil rights advocates.
Bago had earlier instructed security agencies to arrest anyone seen with dreadlocks across the state, linking the hairstyle to rising cult-related activities and insecurity, particularly in Minna, the state capital.
“Rascality in Minna: anybody that you find with a dreadlock, arrest him and barb his hair. From this moment, it’s fire for fire. Any attempt to harass any security officer is an attempt to harass the government of Niger State,” Bago had declared during a public address.
In addition to the dreadlocks directive, Bago also announced a 12-hour daily restriction on commercial motorcycles and tricycles, banning their operations from 6pm to 6am, as part of efforts to end violent crimes.
He also threatened to demolish any house found to be housing criminals or drug dealers, emphasising that his administration will “apply maximum force to restore order.”
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The governor’s early statements, notably the one targeting people with dreadlocks, provoked widespread condemnation on social media and from members of the public, who accused him of encouraging discrimination and lacking a thorough understanding of effective crime-fighting techniques.
In response to the anger, Bago reaffirmed his position on Wednesday at a ceremony in Minna, declaring the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport as an alternative to Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
“Yesterday, we read a riot act on hooliganism, and people misconstrued our words for people who have dreadlocks. We don’t have a problem with dreadlocks, but we have a problem with the cult here with dreadlocks.
So, if you have dreadlocks and you have business, please come to Niger State,” Bago said.
The state governor went on to describe the backlash as “media propaganda” and reiterated that the enforcement efforts are targeted specifically at criminal groups.
He said, “We are only driving that cult that is becoming a menace in Niger State. Thank you.”
Bago insisted that law-abiding residents are not at risk, claiming that the crackdown is primarily directed at criminal elements who utilize “cult” insignia, such as dreadlocks, to conceal their operations and elude law enforcement.
Niger Gov Bago makes U-turn on dreadlocks ban after backlash
metro
Cultists kill teen during anti-cultism walk in Lagos

Cultists kill teen during anti-cultism walk in Lagos
A 16-year-old kid named Mustapha was killed by a stray bullet during a suspected cult clash in the Oyingbo area of Ebute Metta, Lagos State, on Monday.
Chronicle NG gathered that the incident happened during a peace walk sponsored by several young people to address escalating cult-related violence in the town.
It was reported that the walk had hardly ended when an argument erupted between them.
A resident, who talked to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, claimed the fight escalated when a suspected cultist pulled out a pistol and shot indiscriminately, injuring Mustapha with a stray bullet.
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Another resident told reporters that the teenager was not affiliated with any cult group.
“Mustapha just came out to support the walk. He was not part of any gang. He is a calm and respectful boy. He was taken to the hospital after the bullet hit him, but he died on the way,” the source said.
The incident was said to have caused chaos in the community, while the event ended abruptly.
Meanwhile, our correspondent reported that one of the organisers, who was struck by a gunshot, is in critical condition.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin had yet to comment on the incident at the time of filing this report.
Cultists kill teen during anti-cultism walk in Lagos
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