OGWUEGBU, J.S.C. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The respondent in this appeal was the plaintiff in the High Court of Lagos State where he brought a civil action against the appellants as defendants in the said court for wrongful dismissal, breach of contract and conversion of his diving equipment.
His claim against the defendants jointly and severally is for the sum of N26,000.00and interest thereon at such rate and for such period as the court should think fit.
The respondent was employed by the 1st appellant as Chief Diver on 14:6:73. on a salary of N800.00 per month, a monthly sea allowance of N100.00 and a monthly housing and transport allowance of N100.00. In all, he was earning a total of N1,000.00 per month. The 2nd appellant is the Chairman/Managing Director of the 1st appellant.
Sometime in May, 1982, a report was made by the security men of the appellants of the theft of three rolls of thermolance belonging to the appellants. A complaint was later made to the police by…