LEGAL PRINCIPLE: APPELLATE PRACTICE — Grounds of Appeal — Vague or General Grounds Liable to Be Struck Out
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
A vague ground of appeal is too general, not clear, precise or definite in what it purports to be aggrieved about. It cannot help in resolving an alleged complaint. It offends the rules and must be struck out.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Uwaifo, JSC, in Osasona v. Ajayi & Ors (2004) NLC-1181999(SC) at p. 7; Paras C–E.
"A ground of appeal which is vague cannot be of help in resolving an alleged complaint against a judgment. It rather makes the alleged error sought to be dealt with on the appeal difficult to identify, appreciate and correct. This is because being vague, it is too general, not clear, precise or definite in what it purports to be aggrieved about. It offends against the rule, such as rule 2(4) stated above and must be struck out."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Vague grounds of appeal are too general and lack clarity, precision, or definiteness. They make it difficult to identify and correct alleged errors. The principle applies to appellate practice. Such grounds offend appeal rules and must be struck out. The rule ensures that grounds clearly identify complaints. Vague grounds cannot support meaningful appellate review.
