AHMADU USMAN V. SIDI UMARU

OBADINA, JCA (Delivering the Lead Judgment): This is an appeal against the decision of Nassarawa State High Court in its appellate jurisdiction sitting at Keffi, contained in its Ruling delivered on the 26th November, 1999 in appeal No. PLD/26A/86.

In 1983, the appellant, as plaintiff, brought an action against the respondent, as defendant, in the Upper Area Court Keffi (then in Plateau State) for a declaration of title to a piece of land situate in Keffi. Judgment was given in favour of the appellant. The respondent herein (then appellant) appealed to the Sharia Court of Appeal, Jos, Plateau State. The respondent in that appeal, now appellant, challenged the jurisdiction of the Sharia Court of Appeal, at the Court of Appeal Jos. The Court of Appeal remitted the said appeal to the High Court of Justice Plateau State for determination. The High Court declined jurisdiction. The question of the appropriate court to hear and determine the said appeal was finally settled by the Supreme Co…