Supreme Court Shocks As It Nullifies ₦1.07 Billion Award To Simon Achuba

The Supreme Court has overturned the judgment of the Court of Appeal which had granted over ₦1.07 billion to Simon Achuba for alleged unpaid salaries, allowances, and other entitlements.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In its ruling, the apex court held that the Court of Appeal went beyond its jurisdiction by determining and awarding specific monetary figures through a post-judgment application.

The Supreme Court stated that the proper course of action would have been to return the matter to the National Industrial Court, which handled the case at first instance, for proper assessment and computation of the alleged entitlements.

The court distinguished between a judgment that confirms a right to salaries and allowances and one that specifies an exact amount payable. It explained that while Achuba’s entitlement had been acknowledged in an earlier ruling, the actual figures were never determined.

According to the Supreme Court, any claim for a definite monetary sum should have been formally initiated and proven through proper proceedings at the National Industrial Court, with full presentation of evidence and documentation.

It further held that a post-judgment application cannot replace substantive legal proceedings, especially in cases involving complex financial claims that require detailed examination and verification.

The court noted that the Court of Appeal improperly acted as a trial court by calculating and awarding the ₦1.07 billion, despite the absence of prior findings or evidence on the exact amount due.

The appellants, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Joseph Bodunde Daudu, argued that the earlier judgment only affirmed entitlement, not a specific sum, and that any monetary claim should have been properly litigated at the National Industrial Court.

They also maintained that the Supreme Court had jurisdiction to hear the matter since it involved whether the Court of Appeal wrongly assumed original jurisdiction.

The lead judgment was delivered by Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme, supported by three other justices, while Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya dissented.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court set aside the ₦1.07 billion award previously granted in favour of Simon Achuba.