Nigerian court orders Navy to restore Commodore Adebayo’s rank, awards ₦300m damages

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — The National Industrial Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigerian Navy, its governing board, and the Chief of Naval Staff to restore Commodore Adebayo to his pre‑trial rank of Commodore, effective 27 September 2016, in line with earlier rulings of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Delivering judgment, Hon. Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki‑Osaghae directed that Adebayo be paid outstanding salaries and allowances up to September 2022, as well as terminal benefits at the rank of Commodore, within 60 days. The court ruled that failure to comply would make the Navy, its board, and the Chief of Naval Staff jointly and severally liable for damages amounting to ₦300 million.

Justice Obaseki‑Osaghae faulted the Navy’s actions as contemptuous of appellate decisions, noting that Adebayo continued to suffer the punishment of a reduction in rank despite the Court of Appeal’s 2018 order to restore him. The judge emphasised that the Navy’s issuance of a promotion letter in 2022 did not equate to restoration, as ordered, and had cost Adebayo his seniority and eligibility for promotion to Rear Admiral.

Adebayo had argued that his conviction by a Special Court Martial in 2016 was overturned, but the Navy failed to properly reinstate him, thereby denying him consideration for higher promotion. His counsel, Odion Peter Odia, maintained that the Navy’s actions violated binding appellate orders.

The defendants contended that Adebayo’s rank was restored in 2022 after due procedures, and that promotion to Rear Admiral is not automatic but subject to performance and vacancies. They also argued that his 2023 retirement complied with established service regulations.

In her ruling, Justice Obaseki‑Osaghae stressed that obedience to court orders is fundamental to upholding the rule of law and public confidence in the judiciary. She awarded Adebayo costs of ₦5 million in addition to the damages stipulated for non‑compliance.