APPELLATE PRACTICE — Corporate Litigant — Need for Legal Practitioner — Reasoning
Ratio Decidendi
Per Rhodes-Vivour, JSC, in Contract Resource Nig. Ltd & Anor v. UBA Plc (2011) NLC-123-292-2003(SC) at p. 7; Paras D—E:
"This is so as a corporation being an unnatural person, needs someone learned in the Law to handle its appeal, and that person can only be a Legal Practitioner."
Explanation / Scope
This principle establishes that a corporation, being an unnatural person, requires a legal practitioner to handle its appeal. The principle applies where corporations are parties. It ensures that corporations are properly represented. The principle reflects the requirement for legal representation. It prevents corporations from appearing in person. The court must require a legal practitioner. The principle provides guidance on corporate litigants.