PATS-ACHOLONU, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): I shall begin this judgment by warning of the dangers inherent in short circuited judgments on land cases in particular. In 1997, an autonomous community known as Eziorsu in the Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta Local Government Area approached the Local Government to build a modern market. The community thereafter which is defendant/appellant in the case caused work to begin on that land. However, to the surprise of the community and the appellant, the plaintiff/respondent stopped the work as he was alleging trespass on the land. This was followed by a letter from his counsel to the appellant demanding payment of damages. Thereafter, the plaintiff/respondent commenced civil action against the appellant. The appellant briefed one Mr. Nsofor who apparently due to his inadvertence did not take further steps by filing a statement of defence. Then the respondent applied for judgment in default and to this effect, service was effected through the c…