By Daniel Agbo
Makurdi
The National Industrial Court in Benue yesterday disrupted the activities of the Makurdi branch of First Bank plc located along the Makurdi-Otukpo road, leaving customers stranded for nearly six hours.
Blueprint gathered that the court had given judgement in favour of a former staff of the bank, Ruth Amelia Adah, who was wrongfully disengaged and asked the bank to pay her over N12.4 million damages.
It was further gathered that the judgment which was issued on 12th July, 2017 by the court also had ordered the bank to pay the complainant the said damages not later than 16th October, 2017.
However, as at yesterday, the bank was yet to effect payment, a situation which compelled the court to enforce the judgment it delivered.
When our correspondent visited the bank, staff of the court and police operatives flooded the premises as early as 8:30am, prepared with a tow van and a crane that would be used in packing some property at the bank to offset the damages.
The court staff were also seen pasting court orders on most of the vehicles with the intention of impounding same.
The process of enforcement set the bank and officials of the court at edge, with tempers and voices raised as they almost went for each other’s jugular.
Counsels to the bank and that of the plaintiff raised allegations and counter accusations against each others during the disagreement that ensued.
When contacted, a staff of the bank, who was the one probably handling the legal aspect for First Bank refused to comment, saying “We did not invite the media.”
