By SCM Staff Writer I Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025
A FACTORY worker left permanently disabled after a gruesome machine accident has been awarded a massive N20 million payout against his heartless former bosses.
The staggering sum was awarded to Mr. Gbenga by the National Industrial Court in Ibadan after it found Ladox Limited guilty of “negligence” for failing to maintain safe machinery.
Presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Dele Peters, ruled that the plastic firm had a duty of care to ensure its machines didn’t malfunction and maim its workforce.
Machine of Misery
The court heard how Mr. Gbenga sustained the horrific injury while attempting to repair a faulty machine.
He claimed that as he worked on the broken equipment, it “suddenly started to work,” causing the injury that led to his permanent disability.
Shockingly, the disabled worker told the court he was owed over N1 million in salary arrears by Ladox Plastics Product Ltd at the time of the accident!
Mr. Gbenga told the judge that while Ladox initially covered his treatment in Nigeria, he was later taken to London not by the company, but by a private individual.
He added that he applied for a loan for his treatment and was only given a paltry N100,000 by the company—despite writing a reminder.
In a devastating accusation, Mr. Gbenga stated that Ladox never once called to check on his welfare or treatment.
The only time they contacted him, he claimed, was to ask him to come and help them “resuscitate the company”—for which he was not paid!
Ladox’s defence was complicated by a takeover, with another firm, 200 Stars Resources, stating they only purchased the factory building and machines, not any liabilities or Mr. Gbenga’s contract.
However, Justice Peters threw out the case against 200 Stars Resources, instead focusing the blame squarely on Ladox Limited.
He held that Ladox “breached the duty of care” owed to Mr. Gbenga by failing to provide machinery in good working condition.
The Judge found that the injury sustained in the workplace was a direct result of the firm’s negligence.
The whopping N 20 million judgment will now serve as a stark reminder to factory owners: neglect your workers’ safety, and you’ll pay a heavy price!
