Recusal: Nigerian Judge Withdraws from CBN Case Over In-Law’s Role
Justice Benedict Kanyip, President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), has recused himself from hearing 62 lawsuits filed by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) employees.
The suits challenge the termination of their employment contracts by the CBN. Justice Kanyip withdrew from the cases after it was revealed that a member of the CBN’s legal team, Mr. Damian Dodo, SAN, is his in-law.
The claimants, represented by a legal team led by Ola Olanipekun, SAN, argue that their termination letters, issued on May 23, 2024, and effective from May 24, 2024, contravene the provisions of the CBN Act 2007 and the bank’s Human Resource Policies and Procedure Manual (HRPPM).
They seek declarations that the termination letters are null and void, request reinstatement to their former positions or higher positions they would have attained, and demand payment for lost wages, allowances, and other entitlements.
Following Justice Kanyip’s recusal, the cases have been reassigned to another judge for adjudication. Both the claimants’ counsel and the CBN’s legal representatives have expressed confidence in the judicial process, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that justice is not only done but is also seen to be done.