LEGAL PRINCIPLE: LIMITATION LAW — Limitation of Actions — Cause of Action — Definition — Material Facts Required
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
A cause of action is a combination of facts and circumstances giving rise to the right to file a claim in court for a remedy; it includes every material fact to be proved to entitle the plaintiff to succeed.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Kalgo, JSC, in P.N. Udoh Trading Co. Ltd v. Abere & Anor (2001) NLC-131997(SC) at p. 8; Paras A–B.
"Cause of action has been defined by courts to mean a combination of facts and circumstances giving rise to the right to file a claim in court for a remedy. It includes all those things which are necessary to give a right of action and every material fact which is material to be proved to entitle the plaintiff to succeed."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
A cause of action comprises the aggregate of facts that give a plaintiff the right to judicial relief. It includes every material fact that must be proved to succeed. The definition ensures that the plaintiff must plead all essential facts. The cause of action accrues when the last of these facts occurs. The concept is broader than merely the defendant’s wrongful act—it includes the plaintiff’s interest, the defendant’s duty, and the resulting damage. The limitation period runs from the date of accrual. The court examines whether the pleaded facts constitute a complete cause of action. The principle prevents speculative claims without factual foundation.