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CaseLaw

Elike V. Nwakwo (1984) CLR 12(g) (SC)

Judgement delivered on December 14th 1984

Brief

  • Fresh issues on appeal
  • Finding of fact
  • Impartial Judge
  • Counsel

Facts

This is a land matter. In the court of first instance-the Owerri Judicial Division of the Imo State High Court-the plaintiff now appellant sued the defendants now respondents jointly and severally claiming as follows:

  • 1.
    "Declaration of title to land known as and called 'Nkpa' . . ."
  • 2.
    “(One hundred pounds) being general damages for trespass."
  • 3.
    3. "Perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their servants and/or agents from entering the said land".

Pleadings were ordered, duly filed and delivered on both sides.

The case was part heard before Abengowe J. and was started de novo by Chianakwalam, J. who completed it and delivered judgment on the 29th October 1980 awarding the plaintiff.

  • "1.
    Customary right of occupancy to the piece or parcel of land known as and called 'Nkpa' (the land in dispute).
  • 2.
    A perpetual injunction restraining the defendants jointly and severally and through them, their servants and/or agents from entering or trespassing unto the said land".

The plaintiffs claim of (N200) general damages for trespass was dismissed.

The defendants appealed against the above judgment of Chianakwalam, J. to the Court of Appeal Enugu Division. Three grounds of appeal were filed. During the argument in the court below two grounds were abandoned. The only ground argued was ground 3, Want of Fair Hearing. The defendants' appeal was allowed on the ground and a retrial ordered. The plaintiff has now appealed to this court against this judgment of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division.

Issues

  • Whether, as held by the Court of Appeal, there was a want of fair hearing in the...
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