CaseLaw
Udegbunam V. FCDA (2003) CLR 5(L) (SC)
Judgement delivered on May 23rd 2003
Brief
Facts
The facts leading to the termination of the Plaintiff's appointment with the 1st Defendant are short and undisputed. The Plaintiff was employed by the 1st Defendant, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) on 4 September 1980 as a Planning Officer. His appointment was confirmed on 22 January 1982.
In November 1986, Plaintiff absconded from duty. His immediate boss, the Assistant Director, Corporate Affairs, issued him a query. He was no where to be found. His whereabouts were unknown.
The Plaintiff's immediate boss then sent a report to the Department of Personnel which in turn issued another query to the Plaintiff and requested him to answer within 48 hours. Plaintiff responded after two weeks.
Based on the Plaintiff's representations, the 1st Defendant caused inquiries to be made at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi - Lagos where he claimed he was being treated. The hospital wrote to the effect that the Plaintiff was treated only as an out patient. Further inquiries revealed that the Plaintiff was a full time Master's Degree Student at the University of Lagos. (Exhibit D6). As a result of this discovery, the Plaintiff was issued a query. The Defendants were not satisfied with his defence and consequently terminated his appointment. He then went to Court.