- Peter Nicholas, a 26-year-old graduate, endured a 10-month imprisonment at Keffi Correctional Centre after resigning from his job via text message
- His resignation followed a series of events, including a better job offer and dissatisfaction with his current pay
- Nicholass story sheds light on the severe consequences of employment disputes and the challenges faced by young professionals
Photographer went to jail over text message. Photo credit: Julpo via Getty ImagesSource: Getty ImagesThere was a time I went to his office to sell a camera lens owned by a friend. That day, he mentioned that he needed a good photographer and photo editor and I presented myself. He took me through a series of photography tests and loved the outcomes. He offered me the job, although without an official letter. He put me on probation for six months and started paying me N70,000 monthly, with the promise of a raise once I was confirmed. I only stayed less than three months at the firm before I tendered my resignation.I got a better offer elsewhere and informed him but he expressed displeasure because he wanted me to work and train others, especially as I had the editing skills required for the job. He wasnt happy about my short notice. I had to leave because what he was paying me wasnt enough. When I wasnt working for him, my freelance jobs were sufficient to secure an apartment and feed myself.Arrested after sending text messageI admit that was a mistake on my part. However, since I wasnt given an employment letter, I didnt see the need to write a resignation letter. Moreover, I wasnt the first person; he didnt give anyone an employment letter.The message I sent on 10 October 2023 stated that I was no longer interested in working with him. To further explain my reason for resigning, I sent another text on October 14, advising him to learn leadership and management skills because of how he humiliated a colleague who collected N125,000 from a client into his personal account since the customer couldnt pay into the companys account. The colleague was arrested, molested by the police, and eventually taken to their station despite reimbursing the company. After that, I lost interest in working at his studio. No staff member had ever stayed there for more than three months, though the customers werent aware. On October 15, he had me arrested for insulting him.Arrested for taking police pictures
