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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;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 style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Prince A.A. Adetiloye with A.A. Akinyemi for the Claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">V. A. Orizu, Steve Oleka & O.C. Ifeji for the Defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:13.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">JUDGMENT<o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:13.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">1. Claims<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant, a former employee of the Defendant who was relieved of his duties in January 2015, instituted this action in April 2015, wherein he sought inter alia the following reliefs:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.5in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">i.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A declaration that the Defendant’s letter dated 30<sup>th</sup> January, 2015 is not a proper letter of termination as envisaged by law.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.5in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">ii.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Consequential order that the Claimant be deemed to still be an employee of Defendant and is entitled to payment of salaries, wages, allowances and other perquisites of office until his contract of employment is validly determined.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.75in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.5in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">iii.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Subsequently an order that the Claimant is entitled to the following as terminal benefits upon valid determination of his contract of employment:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">a.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Annual Basic Salary x length of Service <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">(=N=990,000.00 x 9) - =N=8,910,000.00<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space: auto;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">b.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">One Month Salary in lieu of Notice - =N=82,500.00<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space: auto;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">c.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Housing Allowance - =N=155,833.33<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space: auto;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">d.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Transport Allowance - =N=155,833.33<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space: auto;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">e.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">January 2015 Allowance - =N=564,916.66<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space: auto;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">f.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Gratis - =N=1,000,000.00<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space: auto;text-align:justify;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">g.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Refund of Excess deduction on my <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space: auto;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Wema bank loan (September – December,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space: auto;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2014 i.e. 3 months x 80,000) - =<u>N=240,000.00<o:p></o:p></u></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space: auto;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> =N=11,109,083.00<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space: auto;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Less balance payment on the sale of Prado Jeep <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space: auto;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Registration No. FKJ 299 BF - =<u>N=325,000.00<o:p></o:p></u></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space: auto;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">NET TOTAL BENEFIT DUE =<u>N=11,109,083.00<o:p></o:p></u></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-align:justify;text-indent:-.5in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">iv.<span style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">=N=500,000.00 cost of this action.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant's Form 1 was accompanied by statement of facts, witness deposition, list as well as copies of documents to be relied on at trial.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2. Defence & Counter claims<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On 28/4/15, the Defendant entered an appearance, filed a statement of defence and counter claim with all requisite processes frontloaded. The Defendant counter-claims against the Claimant as follows:-<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">1. A declaration that the Defendant is entitled to fully deduct the balance of the sum due on the Black Toyota Prado Jeep with <i>Chassis No. JTE8M29J200032268</i> and <i>Engine No. 3R23269206</i> which </span><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">the Defendant has not fully paid for from the monies due to the Claimant from the Defendant. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2. The return of the black new Honda Accord Saloon Car with <i>Chassis No. IHGCR2677DA609140</i> in good order and condition with immediate effect or the payment of the sum of =N=6,500,000.00 in lieu being its Naira equivalent as at the time of filing this Defence/Counter-Claim. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">3. The return of the Honda Accord Saloon Car with Registration No. <i>ONDO AKR 734 AA </i>and <i>Chassis No. IHGCM56871A006801</i> in good order and condition with immediate effect or the payment of the sum of =N=500,000.00 in lieu being its Naira equivalent as at the time of filing this Defence & Counter-Claim. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">4. Interest at the rate of 32% on the values of the two Honda Accord Saloon Cars respectively from 15/01/2015 when the Claimant’s employment was terminated with a demand for return of the Defendant’s properties in his possession until the final liquidation of the said sums. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">5. =N=500,000 as general damages. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">6. =N=1,000,000 as cost of this action. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">3. Facts <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The facts relevant to this case as per the averments in the pleadings are that the Claimant was employed by the Defendant which is one of the leading insurance companies in Nigeria on 26<sup>th</sup> August, 2005 by a letter to that effect; that throughout the term of employment the Claimant was never queried, reprimanded, warned, suspended or subject to any disciplinary action however described; that by a letter dated 30/1/15, Claimant's employment was terminated and was advised by the same letter to return all property of the Defendant in his custody to a specified officer of the Defendant; that Claimant was subsequently informed to collect his terminal benefit, he refused to do so and to return the property in his custody. The argument of the Claimant was that he held on to some of these property of the Defendant as a lien pending the payment of his terminal benefit.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">4. Hearing<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The hearing of this case commenced on 6/7/15 when the Claimant testified as <i>CW1, </i>adopted his witness deposition dated 9/4/15 as his evidence in chief. Witness also adopted his further statement on oath dated 12/5/15 as his further evidence in chief. Witness tendered 15 documents as exhibits and were admitted as such and marked as <i>Exh. C1-Exh. C15. </i>Under cross examination, the witness testified that when he was employed his conditions of service were clearly spelt out; that the Defendant has the right to terminate his appointment; that the reason for terminating his employment is restructuring of the Defendant; that he has not handed over Defendant’s property in his custody because he has not been given details of his entitlement as the industry practice dictates; that <i>Exhibit</i> <i>C7</i> was not issued in tandem with industry practice; that he did go for the cheque because there were no details of the cheque; that he did not know how much was on the cheque and that it won’t surprise him that the cheque contained his one month salary in lieu of notice. <i>CW1 </i>added that the Defendant ought to specify all its property it wanted him to return; that he did not return those properties because the Defendant is owing him; that he does know of how many staff were promoted at the time he was promoted to Assistant G.M; that he is seeing the letter dated 15/1/15 shown to him now for the first time and it is very strange to him; with his status he cannot lie in this court; that he did not receive any letter of reversal of promotion; that he has =N=325,000 as balance to be paid on the Prado Jeep; that he got an approval from the Managing Director of the Defendant to dispose off the Honda Accord retrieved from Ekiti Branch Manager and that it was bought by a Driver of the Defendant and Defendant issued an official receipt. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Claimant called one Abdul Adekunle as his <i>DW2. DW2 </i>adopted his witness statement on oath dated 9/4/15 as his evidence in chief and tendered one document as exhibit. Same was admitted and marked as <i>Exh. C16. </i>Under cross examination, <i>DW2 </i>testified that he worked with <i>Law Union and Rock Insurance Plc.</i> and my appointment was terminated on basis of redundancy; that he is a Director with <i>Global Risk Insurance Associates,</i> Surulere, Lagos; that he was not given his company policy while at <i>Law Union and Rock Insurance Plc</i>; that he has never seen the Defendant’s Handbook before; that Claimant showed him his letter of termination of appointment; that he is aware that Claimant refused to collect his terminal benefit from Defendant and that the Claimant told him he was offered =N=1,000,000.00 by the Defendant. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On 20/1/16, the Defendant opened its case. Its sole witness Richard O testified as <i>DW1, </i>adopted his witness statement on oath dated 28/4/15 as his evidence in chief and tendered 8 documents as exhibits. The 8 documents were admitted and marked as <i>Exh. D1-Exh. D8. </i>Under cross examination, the witness stated that he knows one Oladele Akanni a former staff of the Defendant; that he could recognise the schedule of payment of his terminal benefit; that Oladele Akanni resigned from the Defendant; that he is not aware he gained another employment; that Ayegbusi Abayomi also resigned and same with Chibuzor Victor; that <i>Exhibit D2</i> came into force in July 2013; that according to the Handbook a staff who served Defendant up to 5 years may be given up to =N=1 Million as gratuity; that this is at the discretion of the Management; that <i>Exhibit D2</i> is the Defendant’s Handbook and that he is not aware of any petition to the Police against the Claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">5. Submissions on Behalf of the Defendant<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">At the close of trial, learned Counsel on either side were directed by the Court to file their final written addresses in accordance with the rules of Court. In the final written address filed on behalf of the Defendant on 15/2/16, Counsel canvassed the following 3 issues for determination -<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">1. Whether termination of Claimant’s employment with the Defendant in the course of restructuring of the Defendant, is the same as termination on grounds of redundancy?.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2. Whether the Claimant has proved his case before this Honourable Court to justify his entitlement to redundancy reliefs sought?. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">3. Whether considering the circumstances and facts, the Defendant/Counter Claimant is not entitled to the reliefs sought in its counter claim as well as entitled to set off on the claimant’s indebtedness to it from the Claimant’s outstanding benefits?. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On issue 1, learned Counsel argued that the Defendant did not mention the word 'redundancy' in its <i>Exh. C7</i> and submitted that in construction of documents, the question is not what the parties to the document may have intended to do by entering into the document but what is the meaning of the words used in the document citing <i>Amizu v. Dr. Nzeribe (1989)4 NWLR (Pt. 118) 755. </i>Counsel submitted further that an employer is entitled to bring the appointment of his employee to an end for any reason or no reason at all and that as long as he acts within the terms of the employment, his motive for doing so is immaterial citing <i>Idoniboye-Obu v. NNPC (2003)4 MJSC Vol. 4 131 at 147. </i>learned Counsel urged the Court to hold that Defendant not having adduced redundancy as reason for terminating the employment of the Claimant it was wrong for the Claimant to claim that his employment was terminated for redundancy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On issue 2, learned Counsel submitted that the law is trite that he who asserts must prove citing <i>S. 131(1), Evidence Act, 2011& Amodu v. Amode (1990)5 NWLR (Pt. 150) 356 at 370. </i>Counsel argued that the Claimant did not adduce the basis for arriving at the sum of =N=10,784,083.32; that the evidence of <i>CW2 </i>has no bearing to this case and that the Claimant who asserts industry practice did not lead evidence in proof of the said industry practice in support of his claim. Counsel submitted that the Court neither speculate nor base its decision on mere conjecture citing <i>OBM Limited v. MBAS Limited (200)4 MJSC 1 & Joe v. Co-Operative Bank (2003)4 MJSC 171 at 186-187. </i>Counsel urged the Court to hold that there is no standard insurance industry practice with respect to payment of exit package to employees whose employment have been terminated. Counsel further argued that the Claimant sought the Court to hold that the Defendant's letter dated 30/1/15 is not a proper letter of termination as envisaged by law, an order of Court that he is still an employee of the Defendant and to be paid his salaries and allowances until his contract of employment is validly determined and yet at the same time seeks an order of Court that he is entitled to his terminal benefits upon valid determination of his contract of employment. Counsel urged the Court the contradictory and opposing claims which the Claimant has failed to prove. It was the submission of learned Counsel that by <i>Exh. D2 </i>the Claimant is not entitled to any terminal benefits as exit package is provided for retired staff only. Learned Counsel prayed the Court to hold that the Claimant is not entitled to the relief sought as his claim is founded on the contract of service he freely entered and binding on the parties.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Respecting issue 3, learned Counsel referred to paragraphs 17, 18 and 23 of the Claimant's statement on oath as well as paragraph 15 of the Claimant's further statement on oath and submitted that by those averments, the Claimant had made admission respecting the counter claims. Citing <i>S. 123, Evidence Act, 2011, FABS Limited v. Ibiyeye (2008)14 NWLR (Pt. 1107) 375 </i>submitted that facts admitted need no further proof. Learned Counsel urged the Court to enter Judgment in favour of the Defendant as per its counter claim.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">6. Submissions on Behalf of the Claimant<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The final written address of the Claimant was filed on 17/5/16 in which learned Counsel set out the following issues for determination - <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">1. Whether the untitled letter dated January 30, 2015 (Exhibit C7) constitutes a valid letter of terminated of employment. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2. If the answer to issue (1) above is in the negative whether the Claimant is to be deemed still being in the Defendant’s employment until his contract of employment is validly determined. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">3. Whe</span><span style="font-size:13.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">ther from the circumstances in this case the purported determination of the contract of employment of the Claimant is based on redundancy. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">4. If the answer to issue (3) above is in the affirmative whether the Claimant is entitled to redundancy benefits apart from other terminal benefits. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">5. Whether having regards to the state of pleadings and evidence led it was proper for the Defendant to report to t</span><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">he Nigeria Police a case of stealing the Defendant’s official car Registration No: <i>LAGOS LND 518 BT</i> in the custody of the Claimant and another car with Registration No: <i>ONDO AKR 734 AA</i> which has been sold to a third party by the Defendant. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">6. If the answer to issue (5) above is in the negative whether it was proper for the Defendant to make a report of stealing amongst other incidental allegations to the Nigeria Police which allegations were published to the Management and Staff of STACO INSURANCE PLC.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">7. Whether the Claimant has legitimately exercised a right of lien on the Defendant’s official car in his possession. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">8. Whether having regards to the state of pleadings and evidence led wherein the Defendant did not deny the Claimant’s contention that it is by usage, practice and custom in the industry that official cars are sold to the staff at a discounted rate on the determination of his employment the Claimant is entitled to the car with Registration No: LAGOS LND 518 BT at a discounted rate of sale. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Learned Counsel argued issues 1 & 2 together. Counsel submitted that determination of contract of employment by termination as against dismissal requires period of notice or payment in lieu of notice citing <i>UBN Plc v. Soares (2012)1 NWLR (Pt. 1312) 550 at 572; </i>that in view of the fact that the purported termination of employment is with immediate effect by <i>Exh. C7 </i>is tantamount to a dismissal; that the Court should regard <i>Exh. C7 </i>as a dismissal letter; that for a dismissal to be valid, the reasons must be cogent and compelling. Counsel urged the Court to so hold and to award all the salaries, wages and emoluments of the Claimant as claimed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In arguing issues 3 & 4 together, learned Counsel invited the Court to construe the content of <i>Exh. C7 </i>and submitted that it constitutes determination of contract of service by incident of redundancy. Citing S. 20 of <i>Labour Act, S. 139, Employment Right Act of England, 1996 & S. 12, Guyanese Termination of Employment and Severance Payments Act, 1997 </i>learned Counsel submitted that redundancy is said to exist where termination of employment is by organisation of a business by an employer to improve efficiency. Counsel submitted that the Claimant is entitled to redundancy benefits as per the complaint and that it behoves on the Defendant to inform the workers' representative of the reason for and the extent of any anticipated redundancy. Learned Counsel thus prayed the Court to answer issues 3 & 4 in the affirmative.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Again learned Counsel argued issues 5 & 6 together. In doing so Counsel submitted that it is not contested that the car with registration number Lagos LND 516 BT was handed over to the Claimant by the Defendant as his official car; that there was never a time Defendant specifically requested the return of the car though it generally requested the delivery of the Defendant's properties in the custody of the Claimant; that Claimant had by <i>Exh. C10 </i>specifically stated that he was holding on to the vehicle as lien for the calculation and payment of his terminal benefits and that indeed the practice in the industry is to sell such a vehicle to a disengaged staff at a discounted rate. Counsel urged the Court to answer issues 5 and 6 in the negative.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On issue 7, learned Counsel submitted that in the circumstance of this case, where the Claimant is alleging that the Defendant is owing him terminal benefits, he is entitled to hold the official car which is in his lawful custody at all material times as lien against the payment of his terminal benefits; that the Defendant has not denied owing the Claimant in any of its correspondences or pleadings and that be <i>Exh. C9 </i>defendant had stated that a cheque for an unspecified sum as Claimant's terminal benefits was ready. Citing <i>FBN Plc v. Songonuga (2007)3 NWLR (Pt. 1021) 240</i> learned Counsel urged the Court to answer issue 7 in the affirmative.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On issue 8, learned Counsel submitted that the Claimant has contended in <i>Exh. C10 </i>that it is the usage and custom in the industry that official cars of disengaged staff will be sold to the affected staff at a discounted rate; that the assertion has not been contested, contradicted, challenged and or controverted in any material particulars and that when evidence is unchallenged or uncontroverted, such evidence will be accepted citing <i>Military Governor of Lagos State v. Adeyiga (2012)5 NWLR (Pt. 1293) 291 at 337 & Balogun v. E.O.C.B (2007)5 NWLR (Pt. 1028) 584 at 601.</i> Counsel thus urged the Court to answer issue 8 in the affirmative and consequently order that the official car be sold to the Claimant at a discounted rate or in the alternative order that the said official car be delivered to the Defendant upon payment of all benefits to the Claimant. Counsel prayed the Court to grant all the reliefs sought by the Claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On 13/7/16, a 4-page reply on points of law was filed on behalf of the Defendant. I read same with understanding but find nothing in it meriting inclusion in this Judgment. I thus elect not to include same here.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">7. Decision<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I have read and understood all the processes filed by learned Counsel on either side. I have also carefully evaluated all the evidence tendered and admitted in this case. In addition, I watched keenly the demeanor of the witnesses call at trial and evaluated their testimonies as well. Having done all this, I have come to simply narrow the issues for the just determination of this case down to the following -<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">1. Whether the Claimant has proved his case to be entitled to any or all of the reliefs sought.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2. Whether the Defendant has proved any or all the counter claims sought to be so entitled.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The law remains trite that whoever approaches the Court for judicial intervention has the burden of proving his claims before the Court. See <i>Ogbonna & Anor. v. Jumbo & Ors (2015) LPELR-24378 (CA).</i><b> </b>This is done by whoever is seeking reliefs by adducing credible, cogent and admissible evidence which will form the basis of any reliefs to be granted by the Court. It is not open to a party seeking reliefs to rely on the weakness of the case of his adversary and failure to adduce cogent evidence will leave the Court with no option than to dismiss claims sought. See <i>Opoto & Ors v. ANAUN & Ors. (2015) LPELR-24734. </i><b> </b>Thus respecting issue 1 set down for determination, it is for the Claimant to satisfy the Court with cogent evidence respecting his claim. Now has the Claimant proved his case? Are the evidence put forward sufficient enough as to weigh on the side of the Claimant when placed on an imaginary scale? What are the reliefs sought by the Claimant in this case?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The first relief sought by the Claimant is for a declaration that the Defendant’s letter dated 30<sup>th</sup> January, 2015 is not a proper letter of termination as envisaged by law. <i>Exh. C7 </i>dated 30/1/15 is attacked by the Claimant as not being a proper letter of termination but rather it is a letter of dismissal. In its first paragraph, the letter states thus - ''As a result of the ongoing restructuring exercise, management wishes to inform you that your services are no longer needed by the company effective January 30, 2015''. By the remaining paragraphs, the Claimant was directed to hand over all company property in his possession to the GM, Public Sector and Emerging Market and that he would be advised on his entitlements and indebtedness as appropriate. A letter of termination of appointment is expected to sufficiently convey that impression. Once that is done there is nothing on it to make improper. From the contents of <i>Exh. C7 </i>the intention of the Defendant as conveyed by its Head, Human Capital Development was that the services of the Claimant were no longer required. I thus do not see anything improper in <i>Exh. C7 </i>as a proper letter of termination. I therefore find and hold that this head of relief is not proved by concrete evidence and it is accordingly dismissed. Having so found and held, it follows that the second head of claim which is a consequential order that the Claimant be deemed to still be an employee of Defendant and is entitled to payment of salaries, wages, allowances and other perquisites of office until his contract of employment is validly determined cannot stand. The law is trite that a letter of termination becomes effective once delivered to the person to whom it is addressed. See <i>Oduko v. Govt. of Ebonyi State (2004)13 NWLR (Pt. 891)487.</i> It is certainly not the law that an employee whose employment is terminated can regard same as still existing. See <i>Celcon Tannery Limited v. Mr. Bala Abubakar & Ors. (2013) LPELR-21412 (CA).</i> Even where a termination of employment is found to be wrongful, except in relation to employment with statutory flavor, the Court will not make a declaration that such an employment continues to exist. There is no evidence before me to the effect that the Claimant continued to work for the Defendant after he was served <i>Exh. C7 . </i>Hence there is no basis for this head of claim. The law remains trite that an employee will not be remunerated for services not rendered. <i>See <span class="apple-style-span">Olatunbosun v. NISER (1988) 3 NWLR (Pt. 80) 25 at 55.</span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Thus this head of claim for a consequential order that the Claimant be deemed to still be an employee of Defendant and is entitled to payment of salaries, wages, allowances and other perquisites of office until his contract of employment is validly determined cannot stand is refused and dismissed. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Claimant also sought an order that the Claimant is entitled to the sum of =N=10,784,083.32 as his net benefit upon valid termination of his employment. This figure is said to include the following - a. Annual Basic Salary x length of Service (=N=990,000.00 x 9) - =N=8,910,000.00; b. One Month Salary in lieu of Notice -=N=82,500.00; c. Housing Allowance - =N=155,833.33; d. Transport Allowance - =N=155,833.33; e. January 2015 Allowance - =N=564,916.66; e. Gratis - =N=1,000,000.00; f. Refund of Excess deduction on my Wema Bank Loan (September - December, 2014 i.e. 3 months x 80,000)- =N=240,000.00 and less the balance payment on the sale of Prado Jeep Registration No. <i>FKJ 299 BF</i>. It has always been the position of the law that whoever makes a claim must prove same before the adversary is called upon to make a rebuttal if any. Besides, for a party to succeed in a claim in Court, such a party must provide the Court a foundation or basis upon which his claim is founded. In employment relationship, the basis of every claim on severance of the relationship must necessarily be the contract of service, if any, or letter of appointment and the terms and conditions of engagement as maybe stated. See <span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color:#000099">Amodu v. Amode (1990) 5 NWLR (150) 356; Nigerian Gas Co. Ltd. v. Dudusola (2005) 18 NWLR (957) 292; Nitel Plc. V. Akwa (2006) 2 NWLR (964) 391 & WAEC & Ors. v. Ikang (2011) LPELR-5098. (CA)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; color:#000099"> </span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I have perused the claim of the Claimant as stated on this head and the accompanying sub-heads. Part of the claims under this head is for a month salary in lieu of notice. In his letter of offer of appointment, <i>Exh. C1, '' ... </i>either party may determine the employment by giving one month's notice of intention to do or by paying one month's salary in lieu''. By <i>Exh. C7 </i>dated 30/1/13, Claimant's service was terminated effective from that date. Claimant was neither given the requisite notice or paid salary in lieu as expected under the letter of offer of appointment. <i>Exh. C6 </i>shows the annual basic salary of the Claimant to be =N=1,100,000.00. This translates to =N=91,667.00 per month. Defendant is here ordered to pay to the Claimant the sum of =N=91, 667.00 being his one month's salary in lieu of notice of termination of appointment. From the evidence led at the trial of this case and the exhibits tendered by the Claimant, none is cogent and credible enough to support all his other claims under this head of claim. For instance, the Claimant sought payment of his annual basic salary multiplied by 9 years being his length of service with the Defendant. Yet, there is nothing on his letter of employment to support this position. Unfortunately, Claimant's position that the practice in the industry supports his claim was also not proved. It is instructive to note that while the Claimant was informed by <i>Exh. C9 </i>that the cheque for his terminal benefit was ready for collection and that he should come for same with Defendant's property in his possession, he chose not to collect same. <i>Exh. C1 </i>tendered by the Claimant did not support his claim under this head. His alleged industry practice was also not proved. I have no hesitation in dismissing all other claims under this head of claim and I so do. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The second issue for determination is whether the Defendant has proved its counter claims to be entitled to any or all of them. Learned Counsel to the Defendant had argued that its Counter claims 13(a) & (b) have been proved and hence should be granted. Counter claim13(a) is for a declaration that the Defendant is entitled to fully deduct the balance of the sum due on the Black Toyota Prado Jeep with Chassis No. JTE8M29J200032268 and Engine No. 3R23269206 which the Defendant has not fully paid for from the monies due to the Claimant from the Defendant. There appears to be no controversy on the vehicle in issue here. In paragraph 16 of the Claimant's Reply to the Statement of Defence filed on 12/5/15, the Claimant admitted that the vehicle was sold to him and that he had paid =N=375,000.00 of the total =N=700,000.00 and that the outstanding balance is =N=325,000.00. The law is trite that facts admitted need no further proof. Claimant having therefore admitted the sum of =N=325,000.00 due from him to the Defendant, it is here ordered that the Claimant pay to the Defendant the said sum of =N=325,000.00 being the balance due on the car sold to the Claimant. The second counter claim is for the return of the black new Honda Accord Saloon Car with Chassis No. IHGCR2677DA609140 in good order and condition with immediate effect or the payment of the sum of N6,500,000.00 in lieu being its Naira equivalent as at the time of filing this Defence/Counter-Claim. In paragraphs 14 & 15 of his statement of facts, the Claimant admitted being in possession of the Defendant's car with registration No. Lagos<i> LND 518 BT</i> an official car which he was advised to hand over. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It was also the contention of the Claimant that he refused to return same on the ground that his terminal benefits ought to be calculated first and the practice in the industry is that the discounted value of the car would be deducted from his benefits. By <i>Exh. C7, </i>Defendant requested the Claimant to return all its property in his possession to the designated official. This was not done. That car, according to the Claimant was designated as official car. In other words, it was not meant to be a personal property of the Claimant. There is at least a world of difference between ''official property'' and ''private property''. The submission of learned Counsel to the Claimant that Claimant held on to the car as a lien is certainly off the mark. There is no justification on the part of the Claimant for holding on to the Defendant's car as he did. The proper step for him to take was to return the car as requested and ask for the payment of his terminal benefit. It is instructive to point out that refusal to return the car was notwithstanding the clear and unambiguous contents of <i>Exh. C7 & Exh. D4.</i> The Defendant has sought the return of the car or the payment of the sum of =N=6,500,000.00 in lieu being its Naira equivalent as at the time of filing its defence and counter claim. Throughout evidence in proof of its counter claim, the Defendant did not lead evidence respecting the value of the car at the time of filing its defence. Hence it is difficult for the Court to make such an order as sought.<i> </i>In the circumstance therefore I order the Claimant to return the Defendant's car in his possession and which car was allocated to him as official while in the employment of the Defendant with registration No. Lagos<i> LND 518 BT </i>to the Defendant in good order and condition immediately.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span 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 stated in this Judgment,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.5pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">1. A prayer for a declaration that the Defendant’s letter dated 30<sup>th</sup> January, 2015 is not a a declaration that the Defendant’s letter dated 30<sup>th</sup> January, 2015 is not a proper letter of termination as envisaged by law is refused and dismissed. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.5pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2. Defendant is here ordered to pay to the Claimant the sum of =N=91, 667.00 being his one month's salary in lieu of notice of termination of appointment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.5pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">3. Claimant having admitted the sum of =N=325,000.00 due from him to the Defendant, it is here ordered that the Claimant pay to the Defendant the said sum of =N=325,000.00 being the balance due on the car sold to the Claimant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.5pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">4. I order the Claimant to return the Defendant's car in his possession and which car was allocated to him as official while in the employment of the Defendant with registration No. Lagos<i> LND 518 BT </i>to the Defendant in good order and condition immediately.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">All the terms of this Judgment shall be complied with within 30 days from today. I make no order as to cost.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Judgment is entered accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" align="center" style="margin-left:0in; mso-add-space:auto;text-align:center"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" align="center" style="margin-left:0in; mso-add-space:auto;text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;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:12.0pt;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 style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Presiding Judge<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><br></p>