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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">REPRESENTATIONS</span></u></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">1. JOHNSON O. ESEZOOBO Esq., for the Judgment Creditor/Applicant<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">2. EKO E. EKO Esq., for the Garnishee/Respondent.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"">R U L I N G<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman""> </span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"">By a motion on Notice dated the 22<sup>nd</sup> day of March 2016 and brought pursuant to Order 11 rule 1 & order 21 rule 4 of the rules of this court and under the inherent jurisdiction of the Honorable Court. The Judgment creditor prayed this Court for the following:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">1. <b>AN ORDER</b> awarding<b> interest at 10% per annum</b> on the judgment sum of <b>N183, 908, 687.81</b> contained in the Order Absolute of this Honorable Court of <b>27th May 2014</b> in accordance with Order 21 Rule 4 of the <b>National Industrial Court Rules 2007.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">2. <b>AN ORDER</b> directing the payment of the sum of <b>N34,033,905.01</b> being interest calculated at <b>10% per annum</b> from the <b>14th of June 2014</b> up to and including the 17th of March 2016 when the judgment sum was paid into Court.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The grounds for this application were as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">1. The Respondent deliberately disobeyed the Order Absolute from 14th June 2014 despite several warning letters until 17th March 2016,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">2. Order 21, Rule 4 permits the Court to award a post judgment interest at 10% per annum,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">3. The Respondent has been trading with the judgment sum and earning profit thereon,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">4. It is just and equitable.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">5. It is in the interest of good administration of justice and respect for Rule of law<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">In their written address in support of the motion, counsel to the applicant raised a lone issue for determination, which is;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Whether the Honourable Court has the power to grant this application considering the circumstances of the case and whether it is not appropriate in this case to grant the application.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"">ARGUMENT<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Counsel submitted that on the facts and relevant provisions under which the application is brought as stated in the heading of the Motion, this Honourable Court has power to make the order sought.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">He argued that on the clear provision of Order 21 Rule 4, the Court no doubt has power to award a post judgment interest at the rate not less than <b>10% per annum.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">He argued further that what the Court will look at is whether the facts justify a grant of the prayer sought. He submitted that the facts in the supporting affidavit are sufficient to satisfy the Court to hold that the grounds for the application are meritorious.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">To counsel, the Respondent had no reason whatsoever to disobey orders of Court and to hold on to the fund save that it decided to trade with it and earn a profit on it. Even on this ground alone, this application cannot be said not to be just and equitable. To him, the applicant has also deposed that it is in the interest of good administration of justice and respect for the Rule of law to grant the application.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">He referred to <b>Order 21 rule 4</b> of the National Industrial Court Rules 2007 which provides as follows: <b>“The court at the time of delivering the judgment or making the order may direct the time within which payment is to be made or other act is to be done and may order interest at a rate not less than 10% percent per annum to be paid upon any judgmentâ€.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">He relied on this provision of the law and prayed the court to grant the application in the interest of justice as has been held in the cases of <b>BERLIET (NIG.) LTD. V. KACHALLA (1995) 9 NWLR (PT.420) </b>478 where the Supreme Court held that <b>“a court cannot be said to be functus officio when it grants an application for post judgment interest after the delivery of its judgment as the effect is that the rule of court places on the judgment debtor a statutory duty to pay interest at the rate of l0% from the date of judgmentâ€<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"">‘in a matter of claim for debt, it is presumed that interest will be paid and once application is made for this, even after the judgment has been delivered to award interest is omitted in the judgment’</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Counsel stated that in the above case, the length of time in bringing the application is immaterial if the judgment Creditor can satisfy the Court on why it brought the application late. He relied on the supporting affidavit and urged the Court to hold that there are good reasons for bring the application at this time.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">RESPONDENTS.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">In response to the above application the Garnishee/Respondent filed a counter affidavit, and deposed to the fact that an appeal in respect of this matter, and filed by the garnishee, has been entered. That the subject matter of the appellate matter, is wholly in respect of garnishee order absolute, dated the 27<sup>th</sup> day of may 2014. They further stated that the Judgment Creditor had filed a suit at the High Court of Lagos State, Lagos on the same subject matter and between the same parties. This, they referred to as an abuse of court process.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">They contended that this court cannot add, remove or alter its judgment after delivery, that this court is now functus officio and cannot seat on appeal over its own judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">WRITTEN ADDRESS IN SUPPORT OF THE COUNTER AFFIDAVIT OF THE GARNISHEE /RESPONDENT.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">In their written address, counsel to the respondent submitted three issues for determination, to wit; <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Whether having regard to the provisions of Order 4 rules 10 and 11 of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2011, this court still has the jurisdiction to entertain this application</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Whether this application does not amount to an abuse of court process?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Whether this court has the powers to grant this application?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">ON ISSUE ONE:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Counsel submitted that Order 4 rule 10 of the Court of Appeal Rule 2011 provides further that:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“After an appeal has been entered and until it has been finally disposed of the court shall be seized of the whole of the proceedings as between the parties thereto, except as may be otherwise provided in these rules, every application may be filed in the court below for the transmission to the court.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">He argued that the position of the law is very clear and straight forward ; once an appeal has been validly entered and until such an appeal is finally disposed of only the court of appeal has the powers and the necessary jurisdiction to entertain any application whatsoever in any way to this matter.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">He further argued that there is documentary proof that not only has records of appeal been received from the registry of the lower court by the registry of the Court of Appeal, and not only has a valid appeal been entered, parties have filed and exchanged briefs and the appeal has come up for hearing! This matter as far the issue of jurisdiction is concerned has crossed the Rubicon and absolute jurisdiction to entertain any application whatsoever now rests exclusively with the Court of Appeal and no longer with the lower court. In the case of <b>HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER FOR EDUCATION AKWA IBOM & ORS V. HARRIKOK ENGINEERING COMPANY LTD (2013) LPELR — 21399 (CA) the Court of Appeal per O. A. OTISI J.C.A</b> Opined thus:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 144pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“An Appeal is said to have been entered when all the records of appeal is transmitted from the lower court to this court; and received in the registry. After an appeal has been entered, all applications are made to the appellate court, even though an application may be filed in the lower court for proper transmission to the appellate court. At that stage the lower court no longer has, <u>jurisdiction to entertain any application brought in respect of the matter<o:p></o:p></u></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">He further referred this Court to the cases of <b>ESIRI V. IDIKA (1987) 4 NWLR (PT.66) 503, and PRINCE OLAGUNSOYE OYINLOLA V. CHIEF (ENGR.) ADEBAYO DAYO AND OTHERS (2013) LPELR 2155 (CA).<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">He submitted that a close perusal of the affidavit depositions of the applicant and counter affidavit of the respondent; and all the exhibits attached herein will show without a shadow of doubt that jurisdiction to entertain any other application in this matter is vested completely with the Court of Appeal, Abuja division and nowhere else; and the application of the judgment creditor amounts to an absurdity an abuse of court process.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">ON ISSUE TWO.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Counsel invited this court to the case of <b>SARAKI V. KOTOYE (1992) NWLR (PT.264)156</b> where the Supreme Court per <b>KARIBI —WHYTE J.S.C</b> puts it succinctly when he opined thus:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 108pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“It is recognized that the abuse of court process may lie in both a proper or improper use of the judicial process in litigation. But the employment of judicial process is only regarded generally as an abuse when a party improperly uses the issue of the judicial process to the irritation and annoyance of his opponent, and the efficient and effective administration of justice. This will arise in instituting a multiplicity of action the same subject matter against the same opponents on the same issueâ€<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">He argued that the judgment creditor in this matter is guilty of the admonitions presented above as documentary evidence in evidence before this honorable court shows clearly that he has decided to file separate actions over the same subject matter against the same party in two separate courts for the same reliefs . <b>Exhibit FBN S2</b> shows clearly that the judgment creditor had not only filed another suit against the same party in another court for similar reliefs as he seeks before this court, but it also shows the extent of mischief and bad faith which motivates the actions of the applicant. He also relied on the cases of <b>ACCESS BANK V. NWOKEDI LPELR-21205 (CA); and DINGIYADI V. INEC (2010) (2001) ALL FWLR (PT.581</b>) on this same issue.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">To counsel, the applicant cannot litigate in piece meal, he cannot sue the respondent at the <b>LAGOS STATE HIGH COURT</b> and come and still sue the respondent here for similar reliefs. This later suit before this court is not only a flagrant disregard to due process, it’s an abuse of court process and smacks of mischief.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The law is crystallized on the nature of action adopted by the applicant in this case and it is without any form of doubt an abuse of court process and in gross disregard to the extant laid down legal principles.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">On Issue three:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Counsel invited this court to order 21 rule 4 of the rules of this court which state thus:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“The court at the time of delivering judgment or making the order <u>may direct</u> the time within which payment is to be made or other act to be done and may order interest at a rate not less than 10 per cent per annum to be paid upon any judgmentâ€<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Sequel to the above, he argued that it is very clear from the wordings of the above rule that the discretion to order the payment of interest of 10 per cent on any judgment is a discretion that this Court choose to exercise as at the time of delivering its judgment. It is not for a party to the action to approach and request that the court should back date retrospectively the exercise of such discretion.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">To counsel, the choice lies with the court to exercise such discretion at the time of delivery of judgment, and the court in its infinite wisdom has decided otherwise. The applicant cannot request this court and the court cannot amend or after a judgment it has already delivered because once a court delivers judgment on a matter it becomes <b><i>functus officio</i></b><i> </i>with respect to that matter. In the case of <b>ALOR V. NGENE (2007) 17 NWLR (PT.1062)153 the Supreme Court KALGO JSC</b> puts it clearly when he held thus:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 72pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“a final order envisages that it is a permanent order made by the court and the parties in respect of whom or against the order is made , cannot go back to the same court to challenge <u>or change that order. That court by virtue of the order is <i>functus officio</i>, and the only option open to the parties is by way of appeal against the order. This means that the rights of the parties have been determined with finality, and they cannot go back to the same court on those rightsâ€<o:p></o:p></u></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">He further argued that it is trite law and very elementary too that once a court has given its decision on a matter it is final and the same court cannot be re-invited to give any other order to vary or alter the character of a judgment it has delivered under any guise, the only option left to litigant is to appeal the said judgment,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">He pointed out that in garnishee proceedings once the order is made absolute the court becomes <b><i>functus officio</i></b> as by the nature of the garnishee order absolute it has determined the rights of the parties’ one way or the other with finality. In the case of <b>U.B.N PLC V. BONEY MARCUS IND. LTD (2005) 13 NWLR (PT. 943) 654</b> the supreme pits it’s succinctly when it held thus:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 108pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“The above was the final garnishee order. In other words, it was an order absolute. It was the final decision of the court. A judicial decision is said to be final when it leaves nothing to be judicially determined thereafter in order to render it effective of execution. That is to say that the matter would not be brought back to the court itself for further adjudication. Clea.ly, by the order above, the trial court had determined the rights of the parties before it...â€<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">In conclusion, Counsel urged this court to dismiss this application with substantial cost, as same is incompetent, brought in bad faith and calculated only to be vexatious irritating extort the respondent.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">COURT<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">I have gone through the case of both parties in this application, including their affidavits and the exhibits attached thereto, accordingly I shall distill a lone issue for determination to wit;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Whether this court can grant this application and award a post judgment interest.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">An award on interest of Judgment Sum is a discretionary award, by virtue of Order 21 rule 4 of the National industrial Court Rules 2007. The rules also specify that the court may Order 10 percent per annum to be paid upon any judgement. A claimant however is entitled to interest where the defendant has held the money of the Claimant for some time. Anybody who holds money of another for a long period ordinarily should be able to compensate him for doing so without justification. See generally, the case of <b>ADEYEMI VS LAN & BAKER (2000) 7 NWLR, @33CA.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">In the instant case, the respondents held on to the judgement sum accruing to the claimant for 2 years, which is in disobedience to the orders of this court. It will only be in the interest of Justice for the Judgement Creditor to be entitled to 10 percent interest on the judgement sum, and I so hold.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Accordingly, I find merit on the application and the orders of the court are as prayed on the motion paper.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Ruling is entered accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ<b>……….………………………………<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">HON. JUSTICE M. N. ESOWE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>