The Court of Appeal Abuja on Tuesday , dismissed Kogi State’s attempt to block a N1.07 billion judgment awarded to ex-Deputy Governor Simon Achuba, affirming its final authority in National Industrial Court of Nigeria-related disputes.
Justice Okon Abang condemned the appeal as baseless and unconstitutional, warning that continued disobedience of court orders threatens the rule of law.
The court fined Kogi state’s lawyer, Adedayo Adedeji SAN, N3 million personally for filing a frivolous appeal, citing professional misconduct.
In a landmark ruling on Tuesday, the Court of Appeal in Abuja firmly reiterated its stance that it will no longer tolerate frivolous and constitutionally prohibited appeals, particularly in labor and employment disputes arising from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).
Delivering a stern warning against what it described as “executive lawlessness,” the court dismissed an application by the Governor of Kogi State and the State Attorney-General, which sought to stay enforcement of its N1.07 billion judgment in favor of the former Deputy Governor of Kogi, Elder Simon Achuba.
The case dates back to 2019, when former Deputy Governor of the Kogi State, Elder Simon Achuba was impeached controversially.
“My Lords, no rigmarole of any sort will save the Applicants here,” Justice Abang declared.
“When the law says the decision of this Court is final, there is nothing the Applicants can do. It is as clear as daylight.”
“If Government treats Court Orders with levity and contempt, the confidence of the citizen in the Courts will be seriously eroded and the effect of that will be the beginning of anarchy in replacement of the Rule of Law,” Justice Abang warned.
The dispute dates back to 2019, when Elder Simon Achuba was controversially impeached as Deputy Governor of Kogi State. Following his removal, Achuba approached the National Industrial Court to claim his unpaid salaries, allowances, and entitlements.
“I expected the learned Senior Counsel to the Applicants, notwithstanding the juicy nature of the brief, to have taken advantage of the provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct… Compliance with the Constitution should not be seen as cowardice but as maturity and restraint,” he said.
The court then ordered Adedeji to personally pay N3 million in costs to the Respondent before the Applicants can take any further step in the proceedings.
This ruling serves as a strong affirmation of the finality of the Court of Appeal’s jurisdiction in NICN matters and a reminder that the judicial process cannot be manipulated through prolonged litigation.
For employees, it sends a powerful message that justice in labor disputes can no longer be endlessly delayed by appeal gimmicks.
For state actors and employers, it underscores the consequences of ignoring valid court orders.
And for legal practitioners, it reinforces that frivolous appeals, especially those that contradict the constitution will not go unpunished.
And for legal practitioners, it reinforces that frivolous appeals, especially those that contradict the constitution will not go unpunished.
The judgment is likely to reshape the approach of state and corporate defendants in labor matters going forward, signaling a new era of accountability and constitutional adherence in employment disputes.