The National Industrial Court in Lagos has scheduled March 19, 2025, to commence the trial in a case involving Oluseyi Owolabi and TAJ Bank Limited over allegations of bribery.
Justice Essien, presiding over the matter, adjourned the hearing following a request by the defendant for additional time to file its defense. Counsel for the claimant, A.I. Obinyan, did not oppose the application made by Z. Folami, counsel for the defendant. Subsequently, the judge granted the extension and directed both parties to ensure all necessary documents are filed before the next hearing.
The claimant, Oluseyi Owolabi, who previously served as TAJ Bank’s Head of Agribusiness, filed the suit after being accused of soliciting bribes from customers to expedite credit facility approvals. Owolabi contended that these allegations were baseless and aimed at making him a scapegoat for the bank’s internal failings.
In a statement dated November 11, 2024, Owolabi refuted claims of any wrongdoing, asserting that he followed standard procedures by identifying viable agricultural transactions and referring them to account officers for proper onboarding and compliance checks. He alleged that TAJ Bank management failed to conduct a thorough review of the transactions and unfairly targeted him while sparing others directly responsible.
Owolabi also described incidents of alleged mistreatment by the bank’s management, including claims that Managing Director Hamid Joda subjected him to verbal abuse and threats during an online meeting while he was on vacation caring for his ailing father. He further stated that he and a colleague, Uchechukwu Mbamah, used personal resources to help recover funds for the bank from a customer in Kaduna.
The claimant accused the bank of nepotism and premeditation in its disciplinary processes, asserting that the business unit’s management aimed to absolve itself of responsibility while unfairly implicating him. He argued that, during his tenure, the bank benefited significantly from onboarding notable agribusiness clients.
Owolabi urged the court to grant his requested reliefs, citing justice and fairness. The case is set to shed light on allegations of workplace misconduct, corporate governance, and employee treatment in the banking sector.
