NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION V. MR. VICTOR MKPONG

ADEBUKUNOLA ADEOTI BANJOKO, JCA (DELIVERING THE LEADING JUDGEMENT): This is an Appeal against the Judgment of the High Court of Justice, Uyo delivered by HONOURABLE JUSTICE EKAETTE F. F. OBOT in Suit No: HU/38/2015 on the 11ᵗʰ day of March, 2020, which is contained in Pages 430 to 436 of the Records of Appeal.

The Records of Appeal was transmitted to this Court on the 20th day of October, 2020.

By Writ of Summons filed before the High Court of Justice, Uyo on 24/03/2015, the Respondent commenced this Suit seeking to recover professional fees for estate survey and valuation services rendered to the Appellant/Defendant in respect of their Contract dated 16/08/2010 and referenced in NDDC/EDP/3/3SV/10/007. Upon conclusion of evidence-in-chief and cross-examination of the Respondent's sole witness (CW1), the Respondent closed his Case, and the Matter was adjourned for defence. Hearing Notices were ordered and served on the Appellant on several occasions, but the Appellant was repeatedly abse…