EVIDENCE LAW — Proof of Title — Not Required for Claim of Compensation for Damage to Crops
Ratio Decidendi
Per Akintan, JSC, in Ibator & Ors v. Barakuro & Ors (2007) NLC-123-243-2001(SC) at pp. 20–21; Paras E–A:
"The position in law is that it is possible for a tenant on or an occupier of a parcel of land to successfully claim damages for his properties, including farm crops, damaged on the land. He needs not prove title to such land before he could succeed. All he needs to establish is that his property on the land was damaged."
Explanation / Scope
A claimant seeking damages for damage to crops or property on land need not prove title to the land. It is sufficient to establish possession or occupancy and that the property was damaged. This principle protects the interest of tenants and occupiers in their chattels and crops. The focus is on the damage to property, not ownership of the land.