Ratio Decidendi

Per Edozie, JSC, in A.G., Cross River State v. A.G., Federation & Anor (2005) NLC-123-124-1999(SC) at pp. 25–26; Paras E–A:

"It is manifest from the above explanation that the downward review of the revenue accruing to the plaintiff was as a result of the implementation of the judgment of this court … The plaintiff has not placed before this court evidence to fault the new indices used. It is, therefore, my view that the plaintiff has not established its entitlement to the sum of N3,232,433,537.49 as claimed but the entitlement of the lesser sum of N2,455,888,820.14 has been proved. While a court cannot award more than what a plaintiff claims, it can award less."

Explanation / Scope

Courts may award less than claimed but cannot award more. The principle applies to damages.

Cases Applying This Principle