OLAGUNJU, JCA (Delivering the Lead Judgment): The respondent who carries on business under the business name ‘Rainbow Petroleum and Engineering Co.’ at Kilometre 7, Onitsha/Owerri Road, Onitsha, ran a petrol filling station under a licence granted by the Nigerian National Petroleum
Company (NNPC) and also carries on as a sideline the business of plant equipment hire, maintenance and metal fabrication. The 1st appellant is a corporation created by the Anambra State Edict No. 15 of 1985 as amended by Edict No. 3 of 1991 with the duties enumerated in section 13 thereof. Among the employees of the Authority are the 2nd appellant and one Mr. Martin Ohazulume.
On 17/2/88, the plaintiff/respondent sued the two appellants and Mr.
Ohazulume at the High Court, Onitsha, alleging that on 23/11/87, the 1st appellant, acting through the two co-defendants and some of its other servants invaded the respondent’s Petrol Station, damaged a number of petroleum fixtures at the station as well as some other…