NNPCL: Court declares Ararume’s sack illegal awards N5 billion as damages

The removal of Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume as non-executive chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has been ruled illegal and illegitimate by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

His expulsion was unlawful, according to Justice Inyang Ekwo, who gave the ruling in the case on Tuesday. As a result, the court reinstated him as the Non-Executive Chairman of the firm with all benefits.

The judge also annulled every decision made by the board that was established following Ararume’s dismissal.

In favor of Ararume, Justice Ekwo granted N5 billion in damages.

Recall that Ararume sued the Federal Government, praying the court to declare his sack as NNPC board chairman illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional.

He contended that his removal by vide letter Jan. 17, 2022 with reference number SGF. 3V111/86 was a violation of the CAMA law under which NNPCL was incorporated.

Apart from asking the court to issue an order to return him to office, Ararume also demanded for N100 billion as compensation for the damages he suffered following the unlawful removal