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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">REPRESENTATION<o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Olalekan Bolaji with A. Acquah, Maryam Disu & K.A. Agemo for the Claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">S. I. Azubike with T. I. Tsoho for the Defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">JUDGMENT<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">1. <i>Introduction & Claims<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant in this case approached the Court on 27/1/14 via his <i>General Form of Complaint </i>of the same date and sought the following reliefs -<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">1. A Declaration that the Defendant having terminated the Claimant's employment, the Claimant is entitled to be paid his accrued benefits under the Conditions of Employment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2. A Declaration that the refusal and/or failure of the Defendant to pay to the Claimant his full termination benefits is wrongful, unlawful, illegal and amounts to a breach of the Conditions of Employment between the parties.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">3. An Order directing the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of =N=877,500.00 (Eight Hundred and Seventy Seven Thousand Naira) only being the Three months basic salary in lieu of Notice due to the Claimant as per Clause 7 of the Conditions of Employment regulating the Claimant's employment with the Defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">4. An Order directing the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of =N=4,387,500.00 (Four Million, Three Hundred and Eighty Seven Thousand Naira) only being separation benefits of 15 months' salary due to the Claimant as per Clause 8 of the Conditions of Employment regulating the Claimant's employment with the Defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">5. An Order directing the Defendant to pay forthwith to the Claimant the sum of =N=24,570,000 (Twenty Four Million, Five Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira) only being Insurance benefits due to the Claimant as per Clause 12 of the Conditions of Employment regulating the Claimant's employment with the Defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">6. An Order directing the Defendant to pay forthwith to the Claimant the sum of =N=3,139,500.00 (Three Million, One Hundred and Thirty Nine Thousand Naira) only being the Claimant's redundancy benefits under Clause 18 of the Conditions of Employment that is 6 months' pay calculated in the Annual Basic Salary, Housing and Transport Allowances.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">7. An Order directing the Defendant to pay forthwith to the Claimant his Pension Benefits calculated as per Clause 13 of the Conditions of Employment regulating the Claimant's employment with the Defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">8. An Order directing the Defendant to pay and/or give forthwith to the Claimant the sum of =N=10,000.00 (Ten Thousand Naira) only together with the Claimant's 5 years Service award Certificate due to the Claimant as per Clause 11 of the Conditions of Employment regulating the Claimant's employment with the Defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">9. An Order directing the Defendant to pay forthwith to the Claimant interest on all the above stated sums of money at the rate of 21% per annum from the 1st day of September, 2008 until Judgment and thereafter, interest at the rate of 10% per annum from the date of Judgment until payment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant's <i>Form 1 </i>was accompanied by statement of facts, witness deposition on oath, list of witness as well as list and copies of documents to be relied on at trial. The Defendant was served all processes as required by the rules of Court. The Defendant however did not enter an appearance to this suit and neither did it file any defence to same. The trial of this suit began on 3/3/15 when Claimant testified as <i>CW1</i>, adopted his witness deposition made on 27/1/14<b> </b>as his evidence in chief and tendered 5 documents for admission as exhibits. The documents were admitted as exhibits and marked as <i>Exh. C1 - Exh. C5. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2. <i>Case of the Claimant<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The case for the Claimant is that the Claimant was employed as a <i>Quality Control Inspector </i> by the Defendant; that in appreciation of the claimant's excellent performance and contribution to the growth and development of the Defendant, the Claimant was upgraded while his salary per annum was increased to Seven Million and Eight Hundred Thousand (=N=7,800,000.00) only; that the Claimant was shocked to be informed orally sometimes in September 2008 that consequent upon the directive of the Chairman of the Defendant, his service was no longer required and that he should regard his employment terminated with immediate effect; that since the termination of his appointment the Defendant has failed to pay his termination benefits under the Conditions of Service regulating his employment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">3. Submissions on behalf of the Claimant<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Defendant did not attend proceedings to cross examine the Claimant. The Defendant also did not enter an appearance in this case and did not file any defence to the claims of the Claimant. At the conclusion of trial, the Court directed Counsel to file their final written addresses. Again, the Defendant did not file any final written address. The final written address of the Claimant was filed on 15/3/16. In it, learned Counsel set down a lone issue for determination as follows -<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Whether based on the evidence adduced by the Claimant, the Claimant is entitled to Judgment as per his claims.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Arguing this lone issue, learned submitted that the Claimant instituted this case to enforce claims based on employer/employee relationship and tendered his letter of appointment <i>Exh. C1 </i>and Defendant's Conditions of Service <i>Exh. C5.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On his claim for 3 months basic salary in lieu of notice, learned Counsel submitted that the Claimant gave evidence that under Clause 7 of <i>Exh. C5 </i>the Claimant is entitled to be so paid and that the Defendant terminated the employment of the Claimant in September 2008 with immediate effect and without complying with Clause 7 of <i>Exh. C5. </i>Counsel urged the Court to grant this claim.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Respecting claim for separation benefits Counsel submitted that Claimant is entitled to this head of claim by virtue of Clause 8 of <i>Exh. C5 </i>and that it is two and half months pay for every completed year of service; that the Claimant showed by evidence that he was employed in May 2002 and his employment was terminated in September 2008; that Claimant worked with the Defendant for 6 years; that his monthly salary was =N=650,000.00 and that Claimant is entitled to be paid 15 months' salary which is 2 and half months multiplied by 6 years spent. Counsel prayed the Court to award the sum of =N=4,387,500.00 claimed as separation benefits.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On claims for insurance benefits, Counsel submitted that the Claimant gave evidence that he was employed as a Quality Control Inspector and that under Clause 12 of <i>Exh. C5 </i>he is entitled to be paid Insurance benefit under Group Life Insurance being 4 times his Annual Salary Basic Cover and that as a Ground Engineer in the employment of the Defendant he is also entitled to be paid Insurance benefit under the Aviation Group Personal Accident Insurance Cover being 3 times of his Annual basic Salary. Counsel submitted that the benefit under Group Life Insurance Cover amounts to =N=14,040,000.00 that is 4 times his Annual Basic salary multiply by =N=3,510,000 and that the benefit under Aviation Group Annual Personal Accident Cover is =N=10,530,530,000.00 that is 3 times of his Annual Basic Salary.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Learned Counsel prayed the Court to award the sum of =N=24,570,000.00 as the total insurance benefits due to the Claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Claim 6 of the Claimant is for redundancy benefits. On this learned Counsel argued that by Clause 18 of <i>Exh. C5 </i>the Claimant is entitled to be paid 6 months' pay calculated on his Annual Basic Salary, Housing and Transport Allowance. Referring to <i>Exh. C2</i> which contained the annual salary and allowances of the Claimant, learned Counsel prayed the Court to award the sum of =N=3,139,500.00 to the Claimant as his redundancy benefits.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Claim for pension benefits is claim 7 of the Claimant. On this learned Counsel argued that by Clause 13 of <i>Exh. C5</i>, the Claimant upon termination of his employment is entitled to receive firstly 100% of whatever has been deducted from his salary every month as his pension contribution and that secondly having spent 6 years with the Defendant the Claimant is entitled to receive 50% of whatever his employer has contributed to the pension scheme. Counsel therefore submitted that under the Clause 13 of <i>Exh. C5, </i>the Claimant is entitled to be paid the sum of =N=444,600.00 and urged the Court to direct the Defendant to pay same forthwith into the Claimant's pension account.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Claimant's claim 8 is for Long Service. Counsel argued that the Claimant having spent over 6 years with the Defendant, is by Clause 13 of <i>Exh. C5 </i>entitled to a sum of =N=10,000.00 and a 5 Years Service Award Certificate and that the Claimant has led credible evidence in support of his claim as contained in his Complaint and statement of facts and the evidence led were not challenged or contradicted by the Defendant. Citing <i>IBWA Limited v. Imano Nigeria Limited (2001) FWLR (Pt. 44) 421 at 443 & Durosaro v. Ayorinde (2005) AFWLR (Pt. 260) 167 at 182 </i>Counsel urged the Court to enter Judgment for the Claimant on his claim.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The final claim of the Claimant is for interest on his entitlements. According to Counsel the claim for 21% interest is meant to compensate the Claimant who has been kept out of his legitimate funds. Counsel cited <i>Alh. Abubakar Mus & Sons Limited v. G.M. Ochemba & Brothers Limited (2004) AFWLR (Pt. 219) 1076, Jallco Limited v. Owoniboys Technical Services Limited (1995)4 NWLR (Pt. 391) 534 & Ishola v. S.G.B Limited (1997)2 NWLR (Pt. 488) 405. </i>Secondly, Counsel argued that by <i>Order 21 Rule 4, National Industrial Court Rules, 2007 </i>this Court is empowered to grant interest until the Judgment sum is liquidated. Learned Counsel therefore prayed the Court to award the interest sought. Finally, Counsel urged the Court to enter Judgment in favour of the Claimant as per the claims sought.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">4. <i>Decision<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The only processes available for the Court to consider in the determination of this case are the processes filed by the Claimant as the Defendant opted not to defend this case. I read and understood all the said processes filed including the final written address of the Claimant. I reviewed and evaluated all the evidence led by the Claimant and watched his demeanour while giving his testimony. Having done this, I narrow the issue for the just determination of this case down to one as follows -<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Whether the Claimant has proved his claims to be entitled to a grant of all or some of them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I have pointed out in this Judgment that the Defendant opted not to defend this suit by refusing to enter an appearance, file any defence process or even cross examined the sole witness of the Claimant. Notwithstanding this fact, the burden of proof is not there by shifted or removed from the Claimant. It is trite law that he who asserts must prove same by cogent, credible and admissible evidence in order to be entitled to a grant. See <i>Mogaji v</i></span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">. Cadbury Ni</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">g Ltd (1972) 2 SC 97; Omoregbe v</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">. L</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">awan (1980) 3-4 SC 108; Fasoro v</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">. Beyioku (1988)</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> 2 NWLR (Pt. 76) 263; Nwabuoku v</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language: EN-GB">. Attih (1961) 2 SCNLR 232; Om</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">o v</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">. JSC Delta State (200</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">0) 12 NWLR (Pt. 682) 444; WAEC v</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-language:EN-GB">. Oshioneto (2006) 12 NWLR (Pt. 994) 272</span></i><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">.</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Even where as in the instant case the Defendant does not defend same, failure by the Claimant to adduce sufficiently credible and cogent evidence in support of his case will leave the Court with no option than to refuse and dismiss same. The law remains trite at all times that a Claimant cannot rely on the weakness in the case of its adversary and simply expect the Court to grant its prayers. See <i>Alh. Wahab Irawo & Anor. v. Adebayo Adedokun & Anor. (2004) LPELR-7324 (CA)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In an action for the payment of terminal benefits or any accrued benefits at all, an employee is expected to lay before the Court the terms and conditions of his employment. The terms and conditions must be proved with cogent and admissible evidence in order to be entitled to a grant of any. This is understandably so because the terms and conditions form the bedrock of the business and in the instant case employment relationship between the parties. In <i>Nigeria Gas Co. Limited v. Mr. G. O. Dudusola (2005) LPELR-5958 (CA) </i>Abba Aji J.C.A reiterated the point that ''a<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:#000099"> </span></span>contract of service is the bedrock upon which an aggrieved employee may found his case, he succeeds or falls on the terms thereof''.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In proof of his case, the Claimant testified on oath and adopted his witness statement as his evidence in chief. In the oath, the Claimant had testified that he was employed by the Defendant on 7/5/02 as a Quality Control Inspector; that he was progressively upgraded and his consolidated salary package was =N=7,800,000.00 per annum; that his employment was terminated orally in September 2008 and that his terminal entitlements are governed by a document headed ''Conditions of Service and Contract of Employment for Pilots and Engineers''. According to the Claimant his terminal benefits are 3 months' basic salary in lieu of notice; separation benefits; Insurance benefits and Redundancy benefits; pension and a cash award for having spent at least 5 years in the service of the Defendant. These averments were not challenged. The bedrock of the Claimant's claims is the condition of service between him and the Defendant. That document was tendered, admitted and marked as <i>Exh. C5. </i>The claims of the Claimant are to be determined on the examination of <i>Exh. C5 </i>and the applicable law. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The first claim of the Claimant is for a Declaration that the Defendant having terminated the Claimant's employment, the Claimant is entitled to be paid his accrued benefits under the Conditions of Employment. The state of the law is relatively settled that once an employment relationship is brought to an end by either side what is left is the determination of the post employment rights accruable from one party to the other. Such rights may be in relation to payment of salary in lieu of required notice of termination, all earned entitlements and return of property of the employer to the employer by the employee. In the circumstances of this case and the facts as adduced, I hold and declare that that the Defendant having terminated the Claimant's employment, the Claimant is entitled to be paid his accrued benefits under the Conditions of Employment. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant has averred that his due terminal benefits have not been paid to him. The averments were not in any way or manner challenged by the Defendant. I further declare that the refusal and/or failure of the Defendant to pay to the Claimant his full termination benefits is wrongful, unlawful, illegal and amounts to a breach of the Conditions of Employment between the parties.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Thirdly, the Claimant sought an Order directing the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of =N=877,500.00 (Eight Hundred and Seventy Seven Thousand Naira) only being the Three months basic salary in lieu of Notice due to the Claimant as per Clause 7 of the Conditions of Employment regulating the Claimant's employment with the Defendant. <i>Exh. C5 </i>is the Condition of service between the parties in this case. <i>Clause 7 </i>of same is titled <i>Resignation/Termination of Employment. </i>Sub-clause ii of that clause provides that -<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> ''The employee can also resign his/her employment whenever he/she feels appropriate. In the event that the employee is resigning, 3 months notice shall be given without an option to pay in lieu. If the company is terminating an employee, 3 months notice or 3 months basic salary in lieu of notice shall be given to the employee in addition to his/her normal separation benefits''.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I find, by <i>Exh. C2, </i>that the annual basic salary of the Claimant to be =N=3,510,000.00. His monthly basic salary was thus =N=292,500.00. There is no evidence before me showing that the Claimant was given notice of the termination of his employment nor is it proved that he was paid in lieu of same as stated in <i>Clause 7(ii) </i>of <i>Exh. C5. </i>I therefore direct the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of Eight Hundred and Seventy Seven Thousand Naira (=N=877,500.00) only being the Three months basic salary in lieu of Notice due to the Claimant as per Clause 7 of the Conditions of Employment (<i>Exh. C5) </i>regulating the Claimant's employment with the Defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The 4th relief sought is for an Order directing the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of =N=4,387,500.00 (Four Million, Three Hundred and Eighty Seven Thousand Naira) only being separation benefits of 15 months' salary due to the Claimant as per Clause 8 of the Conditions of Employment regulating the Claimant's employment with the Defendant. <i>Clause 8 </i>of <i>Exh. C5 </i>states thus -<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> ''<b>SEPARATION BENEFITS<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> The employee upon leaving the company shall be paid as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Above 3 years but less than 4 years service - one month of every year completed<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> 4-5 years service - 1 1/2 months for every year completed<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> 6 years and above - 2 1/2 months for every year completed<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Note: A maximum of 36 months pay shall be payable''.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">There is evidence that the Claimant was employed on 7/5/12 (<i>Exh. C1) </i>and by his averment the Claimant's employment was orally terminated in September of 2008. I find the annual basic salary of the Claimant to be =N=292,500.00 and that having served the Defendant for a period of not less than 6 years, the Claimant is entitled to 15 months' salary as his separation benefits. Pursuant to the provision of <i>Clause 8 </i>of <i>Exh. C5</i>, I order and direct the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of sum of Four Million, Three Hundred and Eighty Seven Thousand Naira (=N=4,387,500.00) only being separation benefits of 15 months' salary due to the Claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The 5th relief is for an Order directing the Defendant to pay forthwith to the Claimant the sum of =N=24,570,000 (Twenty Four Million, Five Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira) only being Insurance benefits due to the Claimant as per Clause 12 of the Conditions of Employment regulating the Claimant's employment with the Defendant. <i>Clause 12 </i>of <i>Exh. C5 </i>states thus -<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> ''The following insurance scheme will be in place:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> i. Group Life Cover - 4 Times Annual basic Salary<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> ii. Aviation Group Personal Accident - (Aircrew) 6 Times annual Basic Salary<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> iii. Aviation Group Personal Accident - (Ground Engrs) 3 Times Annual Basic Salary''.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I find the content of the above clause clear and unambiguous. I am satisfied with the evidence led by the Claimant which evidence was not in any way challenged by the Defendant. Pursuant to <i>Clause 12 </i>of <i>Exh. C5, </i>I order and direct the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of Twenty Four Million, Five Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira (=N=24,570,000.00) being Insurance benefits due to the Claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The 6th relief is for an order directing the Defendant to pay forthwith to the Claimant the sum of =N=3,139,500.00 (Three Million, One Hundred and Thirty Nine Thousand Naira) only being the Claimant's redundancy benefits under Clause 18 of the Conditions of Employment that is 6 months' pay calculated in the Annual Basic Salary, Housing and Transport Allowances. The content of Clause 18 of <i>Exh. C5 </i>is as follows -<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""> ''REDUNDANCY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> 'Redundancy' can be declared by the management if the conditions exist, but in case of this declaration all separation benefits, shall be paid in accordance with individuals length of service and a REDUNDANCY BENEFITS OF 6 MONTHS PAY will also be paid calculated on the sum of Basic Salary, Housing and Transport allowances of the affected staff.''<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">There are procedures for making claims on ground of redundancy. The fact remains that except redundancy is declared no employee can successfully come up with a valid claim on that basis. Even the Clause 18 relied on by the Claimant states that redundancy can be declared by the Management provided the conditions exist. The Claimant in this case has not adduced evidence to the effect that Redundancy was declared by the Management of the Defendant at any time. I find no basis and proof of this relief. Same is therefore refused and dismissed accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The 7th relief is for an Order directing the Defendant to pay forthwith to the Claimant his Pension Benefits calculated as per Clause 13 of the Conditions of Employment regulating the Claimant's employment with the Defendant. Clause 13 of <i>Exh. C5 </i>deals with <i>PENSION SCHEME </i>between the Claimant and the defendant. By that Clause, the Defendant as Employer is to contribute 8% of the Claimant's basic salary to the scheme while the claimant as employee is to contribute 4% of his basic pay to same. I have no evidence before me showing deduction of 4% basic pay of the Claimant from his salary into the pension scheme. Claimant did not lead any evidence. A copy of Claimant's pay slip showing various deductions made and the purpose would have sufficed in this wise. Indeed no pay slip was tendered by the Claimant. Again learned Counsel to the Claimant had urged the Court to direct the Defendant to pay the stated sum into the pension account of the Claimant. Here again, no such pension account was provided. It has been said over and over again by the appellate Courts that law is not a game of wizardry. It is not and has never been the function of a Court of law by its own ingenuity or exercise to imagine, speculate on or to supply evidence to work out the mathematics of arriving at an answer in a case which only evidence tested under cross examination can supply. <i>See Okoya & 2 Ors. v. Santilli & 2 Ors. (1993 - 1994) ALL NLR 404, Agip (Nigeria) Ltd. & 8 Ors. v. Chief C. Ezendu & 9 Ors. (2010) 1 SC (Pt.11) 98, Olalomi Industries Ltd. v. Nigerian Industrial Development Bank Ltd. (2009) 7 SC 94, Rapheal Eiezie & Anor. v. Christopher Anuwu & 3 Ors. (2008) 4 SCNJ 113, Yakeen Alabi Odonigi v. Aileru Oyeleke (2001) 4 SCM 127, Kraus Thomson Organization Limited v. University of Calabar (2004) 4 SCM 83 and Messrs MISR (Nig.) Ltd. v. Mallam Yesufu Ibrahim (1974) 5 SC 47.</i> No sufficient cogent evidence is provided to support this head of claim. The duty of the Court is adjudication and not investigation. It<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:#000099"> </span></span>is not for the Court to either speculate or assume what ought to be or what a party in a suit intends or means. This head of claim is not proved by cogent evidence. It is thus refused and dismissed. <span style="color:#000099"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The 8th relief is for an Order directing the Defendant to pay and/or give forthwith to the Claimant the sum of =N=10,000.00 (Ten Thousand Naira) only together with the Claimant's 5 years Service award Certificate due to the Claimant as per Clause 11 of the Conditions of Employment regulating the Claimant's employment with the Defendant. <i>Clause 11 </i>of <i>Exh. C5 </i>deals with <i>Long Service Award. </i>By the Clause the award is a reward for Long Service for employees having put in a continuous service with the company. By the Clause, the Claimant having served the Defendant for 6 years is entitled to be given =N=10,000.00 plus Certificate. Pursuant to <i>Clause 11 </i>of <i>Exh. C5, </i>the Defendant is here ordered to pay to the Claimant the sum of Ten Thousand Naira only plus a Certificate of Long Service.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The final relief sought is for an Order directing the Defendant to pay forthwith to the Claimant interest on all the above stated sums of money at the rate of 21% per annum from the 1st day of September, 2008 until Judgment and thereafter, interest at the rate of 10% per annum from the date of Judgment until payment. The basis for award of interest is to compensate the Claimant whose fund or money was held and used by the Defendant. The compensation is for the deprivation of the use of his money suffered by the Claimant. See <i>International Offshore Construction Limited v. S.I.N Limited (2013)16 NWLR (Pt. 845) 157. </i>I have found in this Judgment that certain amount of money was due from the Defendant to the Claimant as far back as September 2008. The Claimant was denied the use of this money legitimately due to him. I hold that the interest of justice simply demands that he be so compensated for the deprivation for the use of his money. Thus I direct that the Defendant pay interest at the rate of 10% on the entire sum due to the Claimant effective from September 2008 till the date of this Judgment and thereafter at the rate of 15% from the date of this Judgment till final liquidation of same.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Finally, for the avoidance of doubt and for all the reasons as contained in this Judgment<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">1. I hold and declare that the Defendant having terminated the Claimant's employment, the Claimant is entitled to be paid his accrued benefits under the Conditions of Employment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2. I further declare that the refusal and/or failure of the Defendant to pay to the Claimant his full termination benefits is wrongful, unlawful, illegal and amounts to a breach of the Conditions of Employment between the parties.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">3. I therefore direct the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of Eight Hundred and Seventy Seven Thousand Naira (=N=877,500.00) only being the Three months' basic salary in lieu of Notice due to the Claimant as per Clause 7 of the Conditions of Employment (<i>Exh. C5) </i>regulating the Claimant's employment with the Defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">4. I order and direct the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of Twenty Four Million, Five Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira (=N=24,570,000.00) being Insurance benefits due to the Claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">5. Pursuant to the provision of <i>Clause 8 </i>of <i>Exh. C5</i>, I order and direct the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of sum of Four Million, Three Hundred and Eighty Seven Thousand Naira (=N=4,387,500.00) only being separation benefits of 15 months' salary due to the Claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">6. Pursuant to <i>Clause 11 </i>of <i>Exh. C5, </i>the Defendant is here ordered to pay to the Claimant the sum of Ten Thousand Naira only plus a Certificate of Long Service.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">7. The claim for payment of redundancy benefits is refused and dismissed for lack of proof.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">8. The claim for an Order directing the Defendant to pay forthwith to the Claimant his Pension Benefits calculated as per Clause 13 of the Conditions of Employment regulating the Claimant's employment with the Defendant is refused and dismissed for lack of proof by cogent and credible evidence..<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">9. I direct that the Defendant pay interest at the rate of 10% on the entire sum due to the Claimant, except cost, effective from September 2008 till the date of this Judgment and thereafter at the rate of 15% from the date of this Judgment till final liquidation of same.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">10. I award cost of this proceedings assessed at One Hundred Thousand Naira only payable by the Defendant to the Claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">All the terms of this Judgment shall be complied with within 30 days from today.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Judgment is entered accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" align="center" style="margin-left:0in; mso-add-space:auto;text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">____________________<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" align="center" style="margin:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;mso-add-space:auto;text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Hon. Justice J. D. Peters<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Presiding Judge<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.5pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p>