Court Orders Nigerian Navy to recognize dismissed officer as retired Vice Admiral
By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja
The National Industrial Court has ruled that the Nigerian Navy must recognize a wrongfully dismissed officer, Captain Dada Olaniyi Labinjo, as a retired Vice Admiral and accord him all corresponding rights and benefits.
Delivering judgment in Abuja, the court directed the Navy to adjust Labinjo’s records to reflect his retirement as a Vice Admiral effective from April 12, 2017, marking the end of a 24-year legal battle.
According to the court order, the Nigerian Navy is to pay Labinjo all his outstanding salaries and allowances from September 26, 2001, to April 11, 2017. The Navy is also to pay his gratuity for the period spanning January 7, 1975, to April 11, 2017, and continue payment of his pension from April 11, 2017, until his demise.
The court further awarded exemplary damages in Labinjo’s favor, with a 10 percent interest per annum until the full settlement of the judgment sum. Additionally, the Navy is required to publish the ruling in all relevant government, military, and public records.
Labinjo’s legal counsel, Andy Igboekwe (SAN), welcomed the judgment, describing it as a long-overdue vindication. He expressed confidence that the Nigerian Navy would comply with the court’s directives without delay.
