Court reinstates Former NIA Boss, affirms Industrial Court Judgement

The former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Dauda, has been reinstated by the Court of Appeal Abuja division.

Making a decision Justice Peter Ige said the evidence leading to the dismissal of Dauda was frivolous and lacking in merit.

In addition, the Judge dismissed all controversial matters against NIA in favor of Dauda, who is a respondent in the litigation. He further ruled that his pay and benefits since the day he was fired be paid.

The Appellate Court further ordered that N1 million be given to Dauda. Justice Ige further ruled that Dauda should be permitted to retire from service in conformity with the applicable rules.

The Justice further said that there was no evidence before the court that shows that the Dauda had constituted any risk or breached any law.

Mr Dauda had earlier acted as the head of the agency from November 2017 to January 2018, when he was replaced by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Dissatisfied, he challenged his removal in court, saying his dismissal from service did not follow due process and was wrongful.

He argued that in contravention of the law, no special management staff of the disciplinary committee (SMSDC) was set up to investigate the charges against him, adding that he was not given a fair hearing.