Itruma had instituted a case against th NVRI and its Governing Board for alleged unlawful termination of his appointment and abuse of his fundamental rights.

He briefed the court that he was employed by the institute in 1983 on temporary basis as the clerical officer (accounts) and was later made permanent staff on the March 3, 1988 and his confirmation took effect from 1985.

He said he rose through the rank to Higher Executive Officer (accounts) and never had any problem with the Institute since the appointment until 2007 when his purported dismissal from service was pronounced.

Our correspondent reports that the matter, which has been on for over 10 years, was first filed at the High Court, but the court declined jurisdiction, culminating to the transfer of the case to the Federal Industrial Court of Nigeria sitting in Jos, Plateau State.

Before the court, writ of summons were entered and prayers of relief entered and pleas were duly taken by the respective parties, led by counsels.

Delivering the verdict of the court on Thursday, Justice Rabi Gwandu, described as unfortunate and unacceptable circumstances where employers would wake up and terminate appointment of staff without recourse to due process.

Justice Gwandu reiterated that even out of malice with an intent to frustrate an employee, due process to reprimand a staff as enshrined in civil service procedure must be adhered to.

She said this was violated by the NVRI and the Board of Governors by not giving the complainant fair hearing before his appointment was terminated and thereby ordered that he should be reinstated and his outstanding salary arrears and other outstanding entitlements in the last 10 years paid.

When approached by newsmen to respond to the judgement, the respondent’s counsel, Chief S. T. Panwal, walked out on the journalists, saying he doesn’t speak to the press on court matters.

But the complainant’s counsel hailed the judgement, saying his client has been vindicated.

According to him, all his prayers have been granted by the judgement.