PRINCIPLE STATEMENT

A cause of action is a bundle of aggregate of facts which the law recognises as giving the Plaintiff a substantive right to make a claim against the relief or remedy being sought. The popular meaning of the expression 'Cause of Action' is that particular act of the Defendant which gives the Plaintiff his cause of complaint. The cause of action accrues upon the happening of the latest of such facts.

RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)

Per Onu, JSC, in Julius Berger Nigeria Plc v. Omogui (2001) NLC-101997(SC) at pp. 13–14; Paras E–A.
"A cause of action is a bundle of aggregate of facts which the law recognises as giving the Plaintiff a substantive right to make a claim against the relief or remedy being sought. The popular meaning of the expression 'Cause of Action' is that particular act of the Defendant which gives the Plaintiff his cause of complaint. The cause of action accrues upon the happening of the latest of such facts."
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EXPLANATION / SCOPE

A cause of action is the aggregate of facts recognised by law as giving the plaintiff a substantive right to claim relief. The popular meaning is the particular act of the defendant giving the plaintiff cause to complain. The cause of action accrues upon the happening of the latest of such facts. All elements must be present for the cause of action to arise. The accrual date is critical for limitation periods. The plaintiff must plead all material facts constituting the cause of action. The definition distinguishes between the factual basis and the legal remedy. The principle ensures clarity in identifying when a claim arises. The cause of action defines the scope of the litigation.

CASES APPLYING THIS PRINCIPLE

None recorded.