CHEVRON NIGERIA LIMITED V. IGBEKELE FAMUYE & ORS.

CHIOMA EGONDU NWOSU-IHEME, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The Respondents as Plaintiffs had filed an action at the Warri Division of the Delta State High Court against the Appellant as Defendant claiming the sum of N18,320,660.00 as compensation for damages caused them during the oil mineral production activities of the Appellant. Pleadings were settled, filed and exchanged. Conceiving that the High Court of Delta State sitting in Warri had no jurisdiction over the matter, the Appellant filed a motion to strike out the matter. The Respondents apparently conceding the point, filed a motion for the matter to be transferred to the Federal High Court which had jurisdiction. Both motions came up before Ehiwaro J. of the High Court of Delta State sitting in Warri. After taking arguments on the motions, the learned trial Judge in his ruling held that he had no jurisdiction but proceeded to transfer the matter to the Federal High Court. This appeal is against that decision transfer…