Hon. Justice Salisu Danjidda of the National Industrial Court, sitting in Lagos has dismissed the entitlement claim sought by Ahua Augustine, Saater Ngumimi, and 3 others against the Registered African Community Bridge Foundation, Central Bank of Nigeria, and one other for lack of proof.

The Court held that Ahua Augustine and 4 others are required by law to plead and support what they have pleaded by credible and convincing evidence that their assertion of not having a payslip or Bank Statement of account is not appropriate.

From facts, the claimants– Ahua Augustine and 4 others had averred that the non-payment and withholding of their salaries by the Defendants without any lawful justification is unlawful, urged the court to grant the reliefs sought.

In defense, the Registered African Community Bridge Foundation averred that Ahua Augustine and 4 others have failed to plead their respective payment vouchers from their employer or statement of accounts having admitted through their witnesses that they were being paid through the bank.

Furthermore, the Central Bank of Nigeria also vehemently denies any liability over the claims of Ahua Augustine and 4 others, stated that the tripartite agreement was executed between the CBN and the Benue State Government, urged the Court to dismiss the case.

In reply, counsel to Ahua Augustine and 4 others argued that the fact that the Registered African Community Bridge Foundation was responsible for the recruitment of his clients does not absolve the CBN of payment of salaries, urged the court to grant all the reliefs sought.

Delivering the judgment after careful perusal of the submissions of both parties, the presiding Judge, Justice Salisu Danjidda held that Ahua Augustine and 4 others must refer the Court to the exact provisions of the law, instrument, or document that conferred the entitlement being claimed.

“It is evident in the instant case that there is no Bank Statement of account or payslip or schedule of payment showing any figure as salary to the Claimants or when it was last paid even though the claimants stated that they were being paid through the Bank.

“Consequent upon the above, I am of the opinion that the Claimants have not proved their case as required by law to warrant the grant of any of the reliefs sought. Accordingly, the entire suit filed by the Claimants fail and is hereby dismissed.” Justice Danjidda ruled