The third Plaintiff witness, is Amunwa Nnaemeka a member of the Nigerian
Security and Civil Defence Corps. He knew the Plaintiff. He testified that on
12/04/2014 while on his Duty post he overheard two women discussing that Chief
Alabeke’s house (the 1st Plaintiff) has been demolished. Being a surveillance officer,
he decided to go to the scene. On his way he saw security agents, Police, Army and
Imo Network personnel on a Hilux Van and when he got to the 1st Plaintiff’s house,
he was informed of the demolition of the house by Security agents and also saw the
demolished house. He took his personal inventory and left. He didn’t know the
reason for the demolition.
The Plaintiff closed his case. It is to be noted that the Defendant merely filed a notice
of preliminary objection without taking any further step in the proceedings. The
Preliminary objection was dismissed on the 11th March, 2017 and the Defendant did
not take further steps in the proceedings.
However, for purposes of clarity, both the preliminary objection and the substantive
suit will be determined herein.
ISSUES FOR DETERMINATION
PRELIMINARY OBJECTION
In addressing the preliminary objection raised by the Respondents this court has to
determine:
1. WHETHER THIS COURT HAS THE JURISDICTION TO ENTERTAIN
THIS MATTER AS CONSTITUTED.
2. WHETHER THE 2ND RESPONDENT IS A PROPER PARTY IN THIS
SUIT.
WHETHER THIS COURT HAS THE JURISDICTION TO ENTERTAIN
THIS MATTER AS CONSTITUTED.
Jurisdiction is the fulcrum of any successful proceeding. This implies that any matter
assumed in excess of jurisdiction is an exercise in futility. Jurisdiction cannot be
implied or conferred by agreement but must be provided for by statutes. It is
therefore imperative to consider whether or not this court is ceased with the requisite
jurisdiction as it relates to the facts of this case.
Article 9 (4) of the Supplementary Protocol (A/SP.1/01/05) provides:
“The court has jurisdiction to determine cases of violation of human rights that
occur in any member state”.
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