Plaintiff/appellant sued the respondents in the Federal High Court, for special and general damages for breach of contract of bailment, or breach of duty as bailee in custody of appellant’s goods.

Respondents raised the issue of jurisdiction and the judge transferred it to the state High Court, to try the case.

Appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal which upheld the decision of the trial judge, that the Federal High Court had jurisdiction, but reversed the order transferring the case to High Court of the State and struck out the claim.

Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court.