Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, voided the removal of Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as the non-Executive Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Board.

Justice Ekwo also held that Ararume was entitled to damages over the unlawful manner he was removed and consequently awarded damages in the sum of N5 billion against the Federal Government.

Justice Ekwo said the removal of Ararume by President Muhammadu Buhari contravened provisions of the NNPC Ltd laws as well as the Company’s and Allied Matters Act. He therefore reinstated Senator Ararume to the NNPCL Board with immediate effect.

The court voided all the actions and decisions made so far by the Board without Ararume as Chairman.