Supreme Court Upholds Lower Court's Land Dispute Ruling

On July 4, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, addressed a land dispute involving appellants Uwani Musa, Abba Aji, Ibrahim Moham, Musa Saulawa, Emmanuel Akomay, Chidieber Nwaoma, Uwa Oband, and Festu Ogbuinya against the respondents, represented by Halilu Yasa. The appellants sought declaratory injunctive relief, but the respondents challenged the suit based on the doctrine of res judicata, citing an earlier decision from the grade area court in Mangu (suit no.

CV 323/1983). The trial court upheld the respondents' objection, leading to the suit being struck out.

The appeal court unanimously dismissed the appeal, prompting the appellants to further appeal to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court found that the lower courts had correctly handled the matter, affirming their decisions and dismissing the appeal in its entirety.