Principle Archive

It is a cardinal principle of interpretation that where in their ordinary meaning the provisions are clear and unambiguous, effect should be given to them as…

A proviso has a limited operation in qualifying the ambit of the section to which it is related. Its object is to cut down, qualify, create…

The proviso in section 251(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution relaxes the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in disputes between an individual customer and his…

"Notwithstanding" excludes the impinging effect of other provisions so that the section may fulfill itself. "Subject to" means liable, subordinate, governed by, or answerable for another…

To commence making orders that strike violently at the heart of the order of a state high court of co-ordinate jurisdiction is to appear to sit…

Where a court is clearly aware that another court of co-ordinate jurisdiction is seised of a case with the same parties and same subject matter, it…

Where a federal court is prayed to make an order in conflict with a subsisting order of a state high court on the same subject matter,…

It is an abuse of process of court to institute multiplicity of actions between the same parties over the same subject matter in different courts.

Filing an application in a court of co-ordinate jurisdiction seeking a relief which another court has already given in respect of the same subject matter is…

A transfer of family land other than by the head thereof or the head and principal members of the family is absolutely void ab initio.

Mere registration of a title deed does not validate spurious or fraudulent transfers.

A person can be recognised as head of a family in three ways: (a) by operation of law; (b) by election by family members; (c) by…