By Enyichukwu Enemanna
An Abuja division of Nigeria’s Court of Appeal has set aside the sacking of former Director General National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Dauda, affirming the ruling of National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) which had earlier heard the suit.
The court also faulted the process that led to Dauda’s dismissal and resolved all the contentious issues against NIA who is a respondent in the suit in favour of Dauda.
The presiding judge, Justice Peter Ige while delivering judgment noted that the evidence leading to the dismissal of Dauda was frivolous and lacking in merit.
The court also ordered that the former boss’ salaries and entitlements since the day of dismissal from office be paid.
The Appellate Court also gave an order that the sum of N1million be paid to Dauda, and that he should be allowed to retire in service in accordance with the stipulated laws.
Justice Ige further said that there was no evidence before the court that shows that the Dauda had constituted any risk or breached any law as alleged.
Mr Dauda had earlier acted as the head of the agency from November 2017 to January 2018, when he was replaced by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Dissatisfied, he challenged his removal in court, saying his dismissal from service did not follow due process and was wrongful.
He argued that in contravention of the law, no special management staff of the disciplinary committee (SMSDC) was set up to investigate the charges against him, adding that he was not given a fair hearing.
