Court restores Ararume to his position, awards N5bn against NNPCL over wrong sack

The Federal High Court, Abuja, has awarded Senator Ifeanyi Ararume the sum of N5 billion for his sack as Non-Executive Chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and restored him to the post.

Delivering judgment in the matter today, (Tuesday, April 18), Justice Inyang Ekwo said that his removal was unconstitutional and as such the court restored him as the Non- Executive Chairman of the company with full benefits.

The judge also set aside every decision taken by the board that was appointed after Ararume’s removal.

Justice Ekwo said that the N5 billion is for general damages.

Ararume had sued the Federal Government, praying the court to declare his sack as NNPC board chairman illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional.

He contended that his removal through a letter, dated January 17, 2022 with reference number SGF. 3V111/86 was a violation of the CAMA law under which NNPCL was incorporated.

Apart from asking the court to issue an order to return him to office, Ararume also demanded N100 billion as compensation for the damages he suffered following the unlawful removal.