Court Rules Indefinite Suspension Of Employee By Savannah Suites Unlawful, Orders Full Reinstatement And Compensation

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria has declared the indefinite suspension of Mr. Blessed Nehemiah by Savannah Suites Limited as unlawful and a breach of his rights.

Mr. Nehemiah was employed in 2019 by Savannah Suites, a hospitality company located at No. 8 Faskari Street, Area 3, Garki, Abuja, as a security personnel. His employment letter stated that confirmation would occur within 12 months. The company failed to act within the period but retained and later promoted him to Chief Security Officer.

On November 29, 2023, the company suspended Mr. Nehemiah indefinitely without pay, citing an investigation. However, the company failed to provide any details about the investigation despite repeated follow-ups by the employee.

After six months without feedback, Mr. Nehemiah filed a lawsuit at the National Industrial Court. On July 9, 2025, the court ruled that the suspension was wrongful, illegal, and a violation of the claimant’s fundamental rights.

The court ordered Savannah Suites to pay all arrears of Mr. Nehemiah’s salary from December 2023 to his reinstatement. The monthly salary amounted to ₦55,000. The court also awarded ₦2.5 million in damages and ₦350,000 in legal costs.

The court further directed that Mr. Nehemiah be reinstated to his position at Savannah Suites immediately.

This judgment reinforces the importance of due process in employment matters. Legal observers say the ruling sends a clear warning to employers about the dangers of arbitrary and indefinite suspension of workers.

Counsel T.R. Agbanyi, Esq. represented Mr. Nehemiah and praised the court for upholding workers’ rights. The decision marks a major victory for employee protections in Nigeria’s labour sector.