Lawrence V Bentworth Finance Nigeria Ltd (1965)

LawGlobal-Hub Lead Judgment Report

PER IDIDGBE JSC 

This is an appeal from the judgment of the High Court of Lagos (de Lestang, C.J.) allowing an appeal from the judgment of the Chief Magistrate, Lagos given in favour of the appellant. By his amended writ the appellant claims from the respondents-“Jointly and severally the sum of £230 being special and general damages for the unlawful seizure and detention of the plaintiff’s (i.e. appellant’s) vehicle LE 9483 return of the vehicle or £270 its value and ….£17 in £1 Nigerian currency notes and other documents and tools in the car at the time of seizure

PARTICULARS OF DAMAGE

(1) Special: Loss of use from 25th August, 1962 to 3rd October, 1962

(38 days) at £4

………………………………………………………………

£152

Money in the car

……………………………………………………………….

£ 17

(2) General Damages

……………………………………………………………….

61”

The evidence in the Magistrate’s Court is as follows: