Principle Statement

Where a court holds that it has no jurisdiction, the proper order to make is to strike out the suit or proceeding. It does not transfer and cannot transfer.

Ratio Decidendi (Source)

Per Ogbuagu, JSC, in Fasakin Foods Nig Ltd v. Shosanya (2006) NLC-123-312-2001(SC) at p. 11; Paras C–D.

"It has long been settled in a number of decided cases, that where a court holds that it has no jurisdiction, the proper order to make, is to strike out the suit or proceeding. It does not transfer and cannot transfer."

Explanation / Scope

The proper order for lack of jurisdiction is striking out, not transfer. The principle applies to civil procedure.

Cases Applying This Principle