The Lagos division of the National Industrial Court, has ordered Acorn Petroleum Plc, to pay several outstanding entitlements running to several millions to one of its former senior executives, Israel Orisanwo,
Justice R.H. Gwandu who presided over the court ordered Acorn Petroleum Plc to pay the money in a judgment delivered on March 27, 2026, while also held that the claimant had successfully proved key aspects of his case, particularly relating to unpaid salaries, allowances, and pension contributions.
Orisanwo, who served as Head of Internal Audit, had approached the court in 2018 seeking over ₦8 million in unpaid salaries and benefits, ₦3.36 million in unremitted pension deductions, and additional claims including transportation costs, damages, and legal fees. He alleged that his employment was unfairly terminated in June 2016 and that the company failed to settle his entitlements thereafter.
In its defence, Acorn Petroleum Plc argued that Orisanwo was habitually absent from duty, frequently arriving late and leaving early under false pretenses.
The company stated that the claimant’s conduct led to his termination, which was later converted to resignation upon appeals from influential individuals. While admitted owing limited salary arrears but disputed the full extent of the claims.
Justice Gwandu, in a detailed ruling, emphasized that the burden of proof rested on the claimant to establish his entitlement to the sums claimed. Stating that inconsistencies in the claimant’s evidence regarding his monthly salary, ultimately relying on the defendant’s admission that he earned ₦604,000 monthly.
In the final analysis of the suit, the court awarded Orisanwo outstanding salaries for March, April, May, and June 2016 at that rate, alongside his 13th month salary, transportation allowance covering March 2013 to January 2014, and other benefits such as car maintenance and leave allowances where evidence was unchallenged.
Significantly, Justice Gwandu also ordered Acorn Petroleum Plc to pay ₦3,365,174 million to the claimant’s Pension Fund Administrator, having found no proof that deducted pension contributions were remitted.
The judge however, rejected several claims, while also declined to award fuel allowances, gratuity, salary in lieu of termination, and additional transportation reimbursement due to insufficient evidence.
On damages, the court awarded ₦700,000 in general damages but refused the claimant’s request for ₦2 million in legal costs.
Justice Gwandu further ruled that failure by the company to comply with the judgment within one month would attract interest at 10 percent per annum until full payment is made.
The judgment brings to a close nearly eight years of legal battle, reinforcing the principle that while employees must prove their claims with credible evidence, employers are equally obligated to meet contractual and statutory obligations, particularly regarding salaries and pension remittances.
