APPELLATE PRACTICE — Locus Standi — Party Not in Lower Court — Meddlesome Interloper
Ratio Decidendi
Per Rhodes-Vivour, JSC, in Contract Resource Nig. Ltd & Anor v. UBA Plc (2011) NLC-123-292-2003(SC) at p. 4; Paras E—A:
"Contract Resources Nig Ltd was not a party in the third party claim, neither was it a party in the court below. It never applied for leave (permission) to appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal. In the absence of leave, Contract Resources Nig Ltd is a meddlesome interloper with no real stake in the appeal."
Explanation / Scope
This principle establishes that a party not in the lower court and without leave is a meddlesome interloper with no stake in the appeal. The principle applies where non-parties seek to appeal. It ensures that only proper parties appeal. The principle reflects the requirement for locus standi. It prevents interference by non-parties. The court must dismiss the appeal. The principle provides guidance on locus standi.