In a groundbreaking development, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria has granted Ayodeji Sasegbon permission to present virtual evidence in his ongoing legal battle against Total Energies E&P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) and its parent company, Total Energies SE (TOTAL ESE). This marks a significant decision for both corporate legal proceedings and the adoption of virtual hearings in Nigerian courts.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Sanda Audu Yelwa in Lagos, follows a motion filed by Sasegbon’s legal team, requesting the court to allow virtual participation due to his ongoing medical treatment in the UK. The court has set a Zoom hearing for January 28, 2025, to continue proceedings in the case.
Sasegbon, a former process engineer at TEPNG, is suing for N108.7 billion (approximately $138 million) in damages. The lawsuit claims wrongful termination of his employment, seeking compensation for lost career opportunities, emotional distress, and defamation following his abrupt dismissal in 2018. He has also accused the oil giant of unfair labor practices and bypassing international employment standards.
Represented by Aniekan Obong of Strachan Partners, Sasegbon’s legal team argues that the termination violated both Nigerian and international labor laws. According to Sasegbon, after completing his doctorate at Imperial College London in 2014, he was employed by TEPNG in 2015 on a ‘contract’ basis, which later transitioned into a permanent role in 2017 following his exceptional performance. His termination in July 2018, he claims, was both unlawful and sudden, with no prior warning or explanation, violating the terms of his indefinite contract recognized under French labor law.
The case draws on international labor standards, including provisions from the International Labour Organization (ILO), which stipulate that employment cannot be terminated without valid cause. Sasegbon also references a similar case against TEPNG, Olumagin vs. TEPNG, which was ruled against the company and is currently under appeal.
This legal action not only sheds light on corporate practices within the Nigerian oil sector but also highlights the growing importance of virtual hearings, especially for individuals facing health or logistical challenges. Total Energies has declined to comment on the ongoing case.
As the case progresses, industry stakeholders and legal experts will be watching closely, given the potential implications for corporate employment policies and labor rights in Nigeria’s energy sector.