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The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed separate appeals filed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) challenging the enforcement of a N2.5 billion judgment debt in favour of 110 former university workers dismissed in 1996.

The decision, delivered on Friday by Justice Okon Abang, in a unanimous judgement, upheld earlier rulings of the National Industrial Court and ordered immediate compliance with the payment directive.

In strongly worded judgments, the appellate court faulted both institutions for prolonging litigation and failing to obey subsisting court orders, warning that further delays could attract sanctions.

Justice Okon Abang said the appeals lacked merit and accused the CBN of acting beyond its role by frustrating the execution of a valid court judgment.

He held that the apex bank’s conduct since holding the funds in custody amounted to an abuse of process and unnecessary obstruction of justice.

The judge concluded that there was no lawful basis for the CBN’s appeal since no claim was made against it in the substantive suit and ordered both appellants to comply immediately.

The dispute dates back to 1996 when 110 staff members of ABU were disengaged from service, a decision that later drew condemnation from internal panels set up by the university.

These steps laid the foundation for the prolonged enforcement battle that eventually reached the Court of Appeal.

The CBN became involved in the matter as a garnishee after the National Industrial Court ordered banks holding ABU’s funds to show cause why the judgment sum should not be paid.

In dismissing the latest appeals, the Court of Appeal awarded costs of N5 million each against the CBN and ABU in favour of the workers.

The appellate court also reaffirmed that the National Industrial Court has exclusive jurisdiction over labour-related matters, including post-judgment enforcement.

The ruling effectively brings an end to nearly three decades of litigation arising from the dismissal of the 110 workers.

The case serves as a warning that institutions risk financial penalties and reputational damage when they frustrate the enforcement of judgments.

With no further window of appeal, the judgment clears the way for the former ABU workers to finally receive the monetary benefits awarded to them by the courts.