NNPCL: COURT OVERTURNS ARARUME’S REMOVAL AS CHAIRMAN, AWARDS N5bn IN DAMAGES

April 18, 2023April 18, 2023

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The Federal High Court, Abuja on Tuesday has declared the sacking of Ifeanyi Ararume as Non-Executive Chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as illegal and unlawful.

In his judgment, judge Inyang Ekwo said that Ararume’s removal was unconstitutional and as such, the court restored him as the Non- Executive Chairman of the national oil company with full benefits.

The judge also annaulled every decision taken by the board that was appointed after Mr Ararume’s removal.

Ekwo awarded N5 billion as damages in favour of Ararume.

It was reported that Mr 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.

It was also reported that Mr Ararume, who was appointed to the position in September 2021, was removed shortly before the inauguration of the board of the company in January 2022.