Jim Osayande Obazee the man recently appointed by president Bola Tinubu to probe suspended Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele was convicted of sexual harassment of a Federal staff.
Obazee was tapped as a special investigator with the mandate to uncover vast corruption at the nation’s main banker and other institutions suspected of entrenching a culture of public graft, according to a July 28 letter signed by the president for the new appointee.
The president said Mr Obazee, who was controversially removed from office in 2017 by President Muhammadu Buhari following multiple charges that included fraud and sexual assault of a federal official, should “immediately take steps to ensure the strengthening and probity of key Government Business Entities (GBEs), further block leakages in CBN and related GBEs and provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments (whether private or public).”
He would operate with “a suitably experienced, competent and capable team and work with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to deliver on this assignment,” Mr Tinubu added in the letter, noting that he would anticipate updates from Mr Obazee’s team on a weekly basis.
Mr Obazee was the executive secretary of the Financial Reporting Council when, in 2013, he was accused of sexually abusing a federal official Abimbola Patricia Yakubu and later retaliated against her by firing her from the federal agency.
Ms Yakubu promptly sued the FRC for wrongful termination and covering up sexual assault by its leadership, a lawsuit she won at the Kano Division of the National Industrial Court.
Following a lengthy trial, Justice Oyebiola Oyewunmi awarded N5 million to Ms Yakubu against Mr Obazee. In the November 24, 2016 ruling, the judge also ordered the immediate reinstatement of the victim with full payment of her salaries, including for the years she was away from work over the illegal termination.
The court found that Ms Yakubu “suffered unquantifiable mental and psychological trauma, low self-worth and dignity,” from Mr Obazee’s treatment.
Justice Oyewunmi Oyebiola of the National Industrial Court in her judgment had ruled:
“On the whole I find and hold that claimant’s claims succeed and for the avoidance of doubt I declare and order as follows:
1. That claimant’s employment is guaranteed by the Financial Reporting Council Act, 2011 and by the Public Service Rules, thus a statutory employment and not master/servant.
2. That the termination of claimant’s employment was unlawful.
3. That the Finance and General Purpose Committee’s Report of the 1st defendant and ratification of same by the Board are hereby set aside.
4. That the termination of claimant’s employment vide a letter dated 27th September, 2013 without following due process is null, void and of no effect.
5. That the claimant is to be reinstated to her position in the 1st defendant office in Lagos, but NOT as the Personal Secretary of the 2nd defendant.
6. That the 1st defendant is to pay claimant’s salaries and allowances from September, 2013 till date less the October, salary which is the sum of N5,431,005.98 within 30days of this judgment failing which is to attract the interest of 15% per annum.
7. I award the sum of N5,000,000.00 against the 2nd defendant for sexually harassing the claimant, discrimination against her, inhuman and executive recklessness of the 2nd defendant, thereby creating a hostile working environment for the claimant and for the violation of her human dignity and self worth/respect.
8. Cost is accessed at N250,000.00 against the 1st and 2nd defendants jointly and severally.”
Judgment is entered accordingly.
HON. JUSTICE OYEWUMI OYEBIOLA O.
JUDGE
