Supreme Court Rules on Appellate Court's Jurisdiction

On June 1, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in Abuja, deliberated on the jurisdiction of the Appellate Court to grant ex-parte interim orders in a case concerning a creditor's action (Federal High Court Suit No. FHC/L/CS/2127/2025) seeking the recovery of approximately 2 billion naira, which was allegedly borrowed.

The court examined applications for interim preservation orders against the appellants, filed by the 1st and 2nd respondents. Following procedural developments, including a request for case transfer and the filing of notices of appeal, the court addressed preliminary objections raised by the appellants regarding the grounds of appeal.

The court determined that the appeal raised substantial issues of law and fact, particularly concerning the jurisdiction of the Appellate Court to grant such orders. The proceedings included various motions filed on November 20 and 21, 2025, leading to a decision on November 27, 2025, regarding the appeal's merits and the jurisdictional questions involved.