Virtual Hearing Approved: Landmark Court Ruling in N108 Billion Case Against Total Energies
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria has set a precedent by allowing virtual evidence in the high-profile lawsuit of Ayodeji Sasegbon against Total Energies E & P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) and its parent company, Total Energies SE (TOTAL ESE). This groundbreaking ruling permits Sasegbon to testify via Zoom in his N108 billion claim, scheduled for hearing on January 28, 2025. ⚖️
Key Details of the Case
• The Claim:
Sasegbon, a former process engineer at TEPNG, is demanding N108,720,718,580.91 ($138 million) in compensation for alleged wrongful termination, defamation, and emotional distress.
• Health Considerations:
Represented by Aniekan Obong of Strachan Partners, Sasegbon cited severe illness and trauma as reasons for his inability to appear in person, necessitating the virtual arrangement.
• Employment Journey:
After completing his doctorate at Imperial College London in 2014, Sasegbon joined TEPNG in December 2015. Despite commendations and a confirmed appointment as a permanent staff member in 2018, he claims his termination violated both Nigerian and international labor laws.
• Termination Controversy:
His employment was terminated on July 19, 2018, without prior notice or a valid reason. Appeals to the company’s leadership were rejected, intensifying his legal fight.
Legal Context
Sasegbon’s case relies on international labor standards, including:
• French Labour Code (Article L1221-2): Defining his employment contract as “unlimited” and subject to strict termination procedures.
• ILO Convention (No. 158): Protecting against termination without valid cause.
Additionally, he references a related case, Olumagin vs TEPNG, which previously ruled against the company.
Next Steps
Justice Sanda Audu Yelwa has approved Sasegbon’s virtual testimony, a first in such high-value cases. The court will reconvene in January 2025 to hear his evidence via Zoom. ✨
No Comment from Total Energies
Charles Ebereonwu, communications manager for Total Energies, declined to comment on the matter.
This case signals a shift in how the Nigerian judiciary embraces technology for equitable justice. Stay tuned for updates!
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria has set a precedent by allowing virtual evidence in the high-profile lawsuit of Ayodeji Sasegbon against Total Energies E & P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) and its parent company, Total Energies SE (TOTAL ESE). This groundbreaking ruling permits Sasegbon to testify via Zoom in his N108 billion claim, scheduled for hearing on January 28, 2025. ⚖️
Key Details of the Case
• The Claim:
Sasegbon, a former process engineer at TEPNG, is demanding N108,720,718,580.91 ($138 million) in compensation for alleged wrongful termination, defamation, and emotional distress.
• Health Considerations:
Represented by Aniekan Obong of Strachan Partners, Sasegbon cited severe illness and trauma as reasons for his inability to appear in person, necessitating the virtual arrangement.
• Employment Journey:
After completing his doctorate at Imperial College London in 2014, Sasegbon joined TEPNG in December 2015. Despite commendations and a confirmed appointment as a permanent staff member in 2018, he claims his termination violated both Nigerian and international labor laws.
• Termination Controversy:
His employment was terminated on July 19, 2018, without prior notice or a valid reason. Appeals to the company’s leadership were rejected, intensifying his legal fight.
Legal Context
Sasegbon’s case relies on international labor standards, including:
• French Labour Code (Article L1221-2): Defining his employment contract as “unlimited” and subject to strict termination procedures.
• ILO Convention (No. 158): Protecting against termination without valid cause.
Additionally, he references a related case, Olumagin vs TEPNG, which previously ruled against the company.
Next Steps
Justice Sanda Audu Yelwa has approved Sasegbon’s virtual testimony, a first in such high-value cases. The court will reconvene in January 2025 to hear his evidence via Zoom. ✨
No Comment from Total Energies
Charles Ebereonwu, communications manager for Total Energies, declined to comment on the matter.
This case signals a shift in how the Nigerian judiciary embraces technology for equitable justice. Stay tuned for updates!