In a landmark ruling the Court of Appeal in Abuja reinstated Mohammed Dauda as the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
Justice Peter Ige, delivering the judgment, deemed the evidence leading to Dauda’s dismissal as frivolous and lacking merit, thereby overturning the initial decision.
During the court proceedings, the judge meticulously resolved all contentious issues, favoring Dauda, who had been named as a respondent in the suit.
In addition to reinstatement, Justice Ige issued a directive for Dauda to receive his due salaries and entitlements from the day of his dismissal, ensuring he is appropriately compensated for the period of unjust termination.
Furthermore, the Court of Appeal ordered a payment of N1 million to be made to Dauda, recognizing the harm caused by his wrongful removal from office. Justice Ige also emphasized that Dauda should be allowed to retire in service, in accordance with the stipulated laws governing retirement procedures.
“Dauda should be allowed to retire in service in accordance with the stipulated laws. There is no evidence before the court that shows that the respondent has constituted any risk or breached any law, the judge said.
“The appellant appeal is hereby dismissed for lacking in merit and the Industrial Court judgment is hereby affirmed.”
Dauda assumed the position of NIA head in November 2017 and served until January 2018 when he was replaced by an aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Dissatisfied with his sudden removal, Dauda took the matter to court, arguing that due process was not followed and his dismissal was wrongful.
The former Director General contended that the charges against him were not subjected to investigation by the Special Management Staff of the Disciplinary Committee (SMSDC), as mandated by law. Additionally, he asserted that he was denied a fair hearing, contravening the principles of justice.
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