BREAKING: NNPCL: Court Orders Reinstatement of Sen. Ararume, Fines FG N5bn

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the termination of Senator Ifeanyi Ararume’s appointment as Non-Executive Chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) was unconstitutional and therefore illegal.

In his judgment on Tuesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered Ararume’s immediate reinstatement as Non-Executive Chairman, with full benefits.

The court also invalidated all decisions made by the board that was established after Ararume’s removal.

In addition, Justice Ekwo awarded N5 billion in damages to Ararume.

The former chairman had sued the Federal Government, alleging that his dismissal violated the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), under which the NNPCL was established.

The termination was conveyed to Ararume via a letter dated January 17, 2022, with reference number SGF.3V111/86.

In his suit, Ararume sought an order compelling the government to restore him to his position and requested N100 billion in compensation for the damages he had sustained as a result of his illegal dismissal.