Court Orders Navy to Reinstate Dismissed Officer, Pay N7m Damages

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigerian Navy to reinstate Naval Rating Officer Fagbemi Babatunde, 17 years after his unlawful dismissal in 2008. 

The court also awarded him N7 million in damages and N1 million for legal costs, in addition to directing the Navy to pay all outstanding salaries, benefits, and pension contributions from August 2008 to March 2025.

Babatunde, who was dismissed without trial, said he had repeatedly written letters for years demanding justice, all of which were ignored. According to him, the Navy accused him of refusing to collect a weapon while on duty, a claim he denied, stating he was never even posted to the platform in question.

Delivering judgment, Justice E. D. Subilim ruled the dismissal was illegal, emphasizing that even if Babatunde had disobeyed an order, he was entitled to a proper trial under military law.

“I am relieved that justice has finally been served,” Babatunde said after the judgment, expressing gratitude for the court’s intervention in restoring his dignity and career.