The Presiding Judge of the Yola Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court, Hon. Justice James Agbadu-Fishim, has ordered the Adamawa State Government and its Attorney-General to pay Hon. Simon, former member of the Adamawa State Hospital Services Management Board, a total of N7,500,704 in unpaid entitlements. This includes N3,750,330 as Furniture Allowance, N3,750,330 as Severance Gratuity, and N500,044 as Leave Allowances.
The Court ruled that withholding these payments was unjustifiable and contrary to established labor practices, noting that the government offered no explanation for failing to honor Hon. Simon’s entitlements.
Hon. Simon had served on the Hospital Services Management Board from February 2015 until the end of his tenure but never received his entitled benefits despite formally demanding payment through a pre-action notice. With all efforts to recover his entitlements failing, he approached the Court for justice.
Counsel to Hon. Simon, R. Ajumebor Esq, argued that the government’s failure to present evidence amounted to abandonment of their defense, and that the unchallenged documents submitted clearly established his client’s claims.
In response, the Adamawa State Government and its Attorney-General filed a joint statement of defense but failed to call any witnesses or attend court hearings.
In his judgment, Justice Agbadu-Fishim found Hon. Simon’s evidence credible and uncontroverted, holding that the government could not lawfully withhold the entitlements stipulated in the letter of appointment.
The Court also awarded N500,000 as general damages, N500,000 as cost of action, and directed that the total judgment sum accrue 10% annual interest until fully paid.