ABUJA – The National Industrial Court, Abuja Division, has ordered Johnwood Hotel Limited to pay over ₦3 million in damages to a former employee, Mrs Olajumoke Oluyemisi Obot, ruling that her employment was terminated without a fair hearing.
The judgment, delivered by Justice E. D. Subilim in suit NICN/ABJ/193/2024, emphasised that internal disciplinary powers do not exempt employers from following due process.
Mrs Obot, who joined the hotel as a Food and Beverage Supervisor in June 2022, saw her career cut short exactly one year later.
In June 2023, she was intercepted during a routine security check with ₦1,500, which she identified as a customer tip.
While the hotel management labeled the incident gross misconduct and theft, Mrs Obot argued she was simply following her manager’s instructions to hold the money overnight after failing to register it officially before her shift ended.
The core of the legal battle centered on whether the hotel followed the principles of natural justice.
While Johnwood Hotel claimed they conducted an internal panel, Justice Subilim found their evidence inconsistent and largely based on hearsay.
"The defendants failed to provide credible evidence of a proper disciplinary hearing or any formal query issued to the claimant.
“The termination was carried out in violation of the principles of natural justice,” Judge noted.
The court clarified that while employers have the right to discipline staff for misconduct, such actions must be preceded by a formal query and a genuine opportunity for the employee to defend themselves.
In the final ruling, the court granted the following reliefs to Mrs Obot:
*₦2.72 Million: General damages for wrongful termination.
*₦85,000: One month’s salary in lieu of notice.
*₦200,000: Cost of the legal suit.
*Interest: A 10% annual interest on the total sum until the judgment is fully liquidated.
However, the court declined the claimant’s request for reinstatement and dismissed her claims for defamation.
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