Legalpedia Citation: (1986) Legalpedia (SC) 19018

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria

Fri Feb 28, 1986

Suit Number: SC. 80/1984

CORAM


ANIAGOLU CHIEF JUSTICE, NIGERIA

NNAMANI JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT

COKER JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT

KARIBI-WHYTE JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT


PARTIES


PAUL CARDOSO (For himself and on behalf of the Estate of L.A. CARDOSO (Deceased) APPELLANTS


RESPONDENTS


AREA(S) OF LAW



SUMMARY OF FACTS

The respondents, children of one John St. Mathew Daniel, deceased, who died intestate commenced an action against Paul Cardoso, as representative of the children (family) of Lawrence Antonio Cardoso deceased. The claim was for declaration of title under native law and custom to a piece of land amongst others.


HELD


The Court held that all the grounds of appeal must fail and I so find. I will dismiss the appeal and affirm the decisions of the courts below.


ISSUES


NONE


RATIONES DECIDENDI


EFFECT OF FAILURE TO PROVE TITLE IN AN ACTION FOR DECLARATION OF TITLE.


“The principle is well established and is beyond argument, that in a case for declaration of title, if the plaintiff failed to prove his case, the proper verdict is one of dismissal.” Coker, JSC.


CASES CITED


1. Abraham Oguneye Jobi v. Peter Adewumi Oshilaja (1963)1 All N.L.R.

2. Nwokafor & Ors. v. Nwankwo Udegbe & Ors. (1963)1 All N.L.R. 104 p.107

3. Kodilinye v. Odu (1935) 2 W.A.C.A. 336- i

4. Amos O. Aro v. Salami Fabolude (1983) 1 SCNLR. 59. p.70, (1983) 2 S.C. 75, pp.105-106

5. Chief D.A. Ibuluya and Others v. T.B. Dikibo and Others (1976)6 S.C. 97 at p.104

6. Lawal v. Chief Dawodu and Anor. (1972)1 All N.L.R. (Pt.2)270 at p.282.


STATUTES REFERRED TO


Evidence Act


CLICK HERE TO READ FULL JUDGMENT

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