SAMUEL CHUKWUDUMEBI OSEJI, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the Ruling of the High Court of Lagos State delivered by Bola Okikiolu-Ighile J. on the 28th day of March 2012 wherein the preliminary objection raised by the Defendants in the suit was upheld.
The Appellant had as Claimant in the lower Court filed his writ of summons dated 4-6-2010 together with the statement of claim, list of witnesses, witness statements on oath and list of documents to be relied on against the Defendants (now Respondents)
(See pages 1 to 25 of the Records)
The Respondents reacted by filing a memorandum of appearance followed with their joint statement of defence, list of witnesses and witness statement on oath, dated 14-7-2010 wherein they denied the claims of the Appellant and set-up a defence of qualified privilege.
(see page 26 to 32 of the Record).
The Appellant then responded by filing a reply to the statement of defence dated 16-8-2010 and supported same with a written …