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National Industrial Court Orders Arrest of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital CMD for Contempt

Disobeying a court order undermines the authority of the judiciary and erodes public confidence in the legal system. It can also lead to further legal action, including additional sanctions or enforcement measures to compel compliance.

Published

2 months ago

February 17, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

In a significant legal development, the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has issued a warrant for the arrest of Prof. Bissallah A. Ekele, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), for repeatedly flouting court orders.

Presided over by Hon. Justice O. O Oyewumi, the Court held Prof. Ekele in contempt and directed the Police to apprehend him and produce him in court on March 7th, 2024. The judge strongly condemned Prof. Ekele’s blatant disregard for the orders of the Honourable Court, noting that such behaviour from a public officer is unacceptable.

The contempt proceedings were initiated by Mr Godday Owobu (Atiku), counsel to the Applicant, who brought the Teaching Hospital before the court for failing to comply with its directives.

According to Barr Owobu, the Applicant was falsely accused of criminal conspiracy, underwent trial, and was subsequently acquitted. However, upon seeking to return to duty, Prof. Ekele coerced the Applicant into signing an undertaking under duress, forfeiting 64 months’ worth of accrued salary from 2008 to 2013. Despite the Applicant’s acquittal by a competent court of law, Prof. Ekele continued to subject him to administrative sanctions.

In a previous judgment on September 4th, 2023, the Court deemed Prof. Ekele’s actions “crude, abusive, and wicked,” agreeing that the undertaking was obtained under duress. Despite the Court’s directive to pay the Applicant his accrued salary, Prof. Ekele disobeyed the order.

Mr Owobu expressed gratitude to the Court for upholding justice and standing as the last resort for the common man. He emphasized the importance of enforcing court orders to ensure accountability and fairness in the legal system.

The warrant for Prof. Ekele’s arrest highlights the Court’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and holding public officials accountable for their actions. As the case progresses, it serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s climactic role in safeguarding justice and protecting the rights of individuals.

Attached are the court Orders.

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