AKAAHS, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the judgment of the High Court of Plateau State delivered by Damulak, J. on 3/12/99 in suit No. PLD/J589/95. In paragraph 17 of the statement of claim, the plaintiff claimed both special and general damages against the defendant as follows:-
"(i) the sum of N436,050.00 (Four hundred and thirty-six thousand and fifty Naira) being special damages for loss of earnings from his Mazda Bus Registration No. BA 596T from 9/2/94 to 9/9/95.
(ii) the sum of N850.00 (Eight hundred and fifty Naira) per day being loss of earnings on the bus from the date of filing of this action i.e. 11/9/95 till the vehicle is delivered up to the plaintiff.
(iii) the sum of N250,000.00 (Two hundred and fifty thousand Naira) being general damages for the unlawful detention of plaintiff's degree certificate, his cel1ificate of provisional registration and his Mazda Bus Registration No. BA 596T.
(iv) the costs of this action."
The plaintiff t…