Kogi govt takes N1.07bn payout dispute with ex-deputy to Supreme Court

The Kogi State Government has approached the Supreme Court to seek clarification over a contentious payment awarded to former Deputy Governor, Elder Simon Achuba.

At the heart of the legal dispute is a conflicting interpretation of court rulings concerning Achuba’s outstanding salaries, allowances, and entitlements.

The government contends that a 2020 judgment by the National Industrial Court (NIC) awarded Achuba N180 million for unpaid security votes from April 2018 to August 2019, which it says has already been paid.

However, a recent judgment by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, delivered on April 25, 2025, ordered the state government to pay Achuba a significantly higher sum—N1,079,860,138.00.

The court ruled that the amount covered Achuba’s unpaid monthly salaries, travel allowances, and statutory entitlements as provided for in Kogi State’s approved budgets for 2017 and 2018.

Kogi trust fund donates 16 patrol vehicles to security agencies

The appellate court’s decision was based on a prior judgment from April 29, 2024, which upheld Achuba’s entitlement to full remuneration during his tenure as deputy governor. It also mandated the National Industrial Court to enforce the ruling.

Kogi State’s legal team, led by O. Adegboyega, argues that the enlarged sum was not part of any previous National Industrial Court pronouncement and has therefore petitioned the Supreme Court to determine whether the enforceable award is the original N180 million or the new N1.07 billion directive.

A Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling, signed by Deputy Chief Registrar Josephine Ekperobe, confirms that the court ordered full payment of Achuba’s entitlements based on the state budgets of 2017 and 2018.

The state government insists its appeal is grounded in due process and the need for judicial clarity, affirming its commitment to upholding the rule of law as the Supreme Court prepares to deliberate on the matter.