His Lordship, Hon. Justice Gerald Nweneka of the Lagos Judicial division of the National Industrial Court has dismissed the suit filed by former staff of Guaranty Trust Bank Mr. Oluwasegun Awojinrin against the firm for being unmeritorious.

The court held that the Bank did not follow due process in terminating Oluwasegun’s employment, and having received his terminal entitlements without complaint, he can no longer whine that his employment termination is illegal, null and void; ordered parties to bear their respective costs.

The Claimant’s- Oluwasegun Awojinrin had submitted that his employment was terminated on 13th September 2019 without notice, query, and investigation by qualified authority, and in breach of the rules of natural justice.

He asserted further that he was asked to face a disciplinary committee without prior information of the offence alleged against him, sought for nullification of his termination amongst others.

In defence, the bank denied the allegation and averred that the Claimant’s employment was terminated in compliance with his contract of employment and was advised of his terminal entitlement and paid to him, which payment he accepted, counterclaimed for the sum of Seven Million Naira solicitor fees among others.

Learned Counsel Folabi Kuti Esq. with Emmanuel Abraye Esq. and Ayodeji Abdul Esq submitted further that Oluwasegun did not contest the constitution of the disciplinary committee, or the manner the proceeding was conducted that he wrote another letter requesting the bank to commute the termination to a resignation, urged the court to dismiss the case.

In opposition, the claimant counsel Femi Fajolu Esq. with N. Okonkwo Esq. submitted that termination of claimant’s employment violates provisions of the employee handbook, and it is wrongful, urged the court to grant reliefs sought.

Delivering the judgment after painstakingly perused the arguments of both parties, the presiding Judge, Justice Gerald Nweneka held that the finding and report of the disciplinary committee were not made available to Claimant before his employment was terminated as contained in the employee handbook.

“Based on the foregoing, I hold that Defendant did not follow due process in terminating Claimant’s employment.

“Having received his terminal entitlements without complaint, he can no longer complain that the termination of his employment is illegal, null and void and a breach of contract of employment, unlawful termination and unfair labour practice.”

Lastly, the court dismissed the Oluwasegun’s claims, and the bank counterclaimed for being unmeritorious, ordered parties to bear their respective costs.