CIVIL PROCEDURE — Res Judicata — Consent Judgment Capable of Sustaining Plea of Res Judicata
Ratio Decidendi
Per Katsina-Alu, JSC, in The Honda Place Ltd v. Globe Motor Holdings Nig. Ltd. (2005) NLC-1612001(SC) at p. 12; Paras B–C:
"The consent judgment in suit No. LD/1643/976 given on 15th July, 1996 is a final decision. A decision of a court is final when it finally disposes of the rights of the parties. In other words if the decision or order given by a court is such that the matter respect of which it is given would not be brought back to the court for further adjudication, such decision or order is final."
Explanation / Scope
A consent judgment is a final decision that disposes of parties’ rights. Finality exists when no further adjudication on the matter is possible. The principle applies to civil procedure and res judicata.