LEGAL PRINCIPLE: APPELLATE PRACTICE — Concurrent Findings — When the Supreme Court Will Interfere
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
The Supreme Court will not interfere with concurrent findings reasonably justified and supported by evidence. However, where findings are perverse, patently erroneous, or based on wrong conclusions from accepted evidence, causing miscarriage, the Supreme Court has a duty to interfere.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Akintan, JSC, in Amadi v. Orisakwe & Ors (2005) NLC-2332000(SC) at p. 5; Paras A–C.
"The law is settled that this court will not interfere with the concurrent findings of fact made by both the High Court and the Court of Appeal where the findings are reasonably justified and supported by evidence... However, where such findings are shown to be perverse or patently erroneous or where, for example, the court has drawn wrong conclusions from accepted credible evidence adduced before it and a miscarriage will result if they are allowed to remain, the Supreme Court has the duty to interfere."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Concurrent findings are binding unless perverse, patently erroneous, or based on wrong conclusions causing miscarriage. The principle applies to appellate practice. Interference is a duty, not discretion, when conditions are met.