The Court of Appeal, Abuja, has dismissed Kogi State Government’s bid to halt the payment of over ₦1 billion in salaries and entitlements to its impeached former Deputy Governor, Elder Simon Achuba.
In a unanimous ruling delivered by Justice Okon Abang, alongside Justices Hamma Barka and Oyejoju Oyewumi, the appellate court held that under Section 243(4) of the 1999 Constitution, it is the final court in civil appeals from the National Industrial Court (NICN).
Justice Abang ruled that Kogi State could not take the matter further to the Supreme Court, describing the government’s request as “frivolous, baseless, irritating, and unwarranted.”
He also slammed ₦3 million costs on Adebayo Adedeji (SAN), counsel to the state, for filing what he called a “baseless” application.
“Compliance with the Constitution should not be seen as cowardice but as maturity and restraint,” Justice Abang said, faulting the state government for “executive lawlessness.”
Achuba, impeached in 2019, had sued at the NICN for unpaid salaries, travel allowances, and entitlements. On November 4, 2020, the court ruled in his favour. The Court of Appeal upheld that decision on April 29, 2024, affirming his right to salaries and allowances (excluding security votes).
Instead of complying, the state government sought leave to appeal to the Supreme Court. The Court of Appeal has now shut that down, making its ruling final and binding.
This means the Ahmed Usman Ododo-led government must pay Achuba the judgment debt without further delay.
