Jemila Aruna, widow of dismissed deceased officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Isiaka Aruna, has dragged the Service to the National Industrial Court (NIC), Abuja, challenging the termination of her husband’s appointment after his death.
At the resumption of hearing on Thursday, the claimant’s counsel, Mr Abdulganiyu Shuaibu, told the court that the matter was slated for mention.
Shuaibu also said although the defendant was served with processes, the defendant did not file any defence until the time elapsed.
The defence was not represented by any counsel in court.
Justice Kiyersohot Damulak, adjourned the matter until March 20, for hearing and directed that hearing notice be served on the defendant.
The judge also directed that the claimant’s counsel should come to court with his witnesses as the matter would proceed if the defendant fail to file any processes before the adjourned date.
Aruna, in her suit, is seeking a declaration that the appointment of her husband, who died on September 16, 2013 while in active service, was valid and subsisting.
The widow is also seeking a declaration that the appointment of her husband as an official of NCS vide a letter dated September 24, 1999, is still extant and subsisting, until his death.
Aruna further wants the court to void the dismissal of her husband from service on November 4, 2014, a year after his demise.
The claimant is also seeking an order of the court, directing the defendant to reinstate the deceased husband to the position he occupied before his death and pay his salaries, emoluments and entitlements.
She asked the court to direct the defendant to pay her N300 million as exemplary and aggravated damages.
Aruna, in her statement of claims, said she went to inform the defendant of her husband’s death a year after and to claim his benefits, and instead was served with a letter, terminating the husband’s appointment.
