LEGAL PRINCIPLE: JURISDICTION — Exclusive Jurisdiction of Federal High Court — Distinction Between Banking Matters and Tort of Conversion
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
Conversion is a tort actionable in the State High Court. That is exactly what the plaintiff did, and the commencement of the action in that court cannot be faulted.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Tobi, JSC, in Trade Bank Plc v. Benilux (Nig.) Ltd (2003) NLC-1862000(SC) at p. 9; Paras B–C.
"Conversion is a tort which is actionable in the State High Court. That is exactly what the plaintiff/respondent did and I cannot fault the commencement of the action in that court."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Tort of conversion is within the State High Court’s jurisdiction. The principle applies to constitutional law. The Federal High Court’s exclusive jurisdiction over banking does not cover conversion claims. The rule preserves State High Court jurisdiction over common law torts. The court will look at the substance of the claim. The principle is well-established.
