Supreme Court Rules on Damages for Dishonored Bills

On June 4, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in case SC CV 757/2022, addressed the issue of damages for dishonored bills under Section 57 of the Bills of Exchange Act. The case involved United Bank PLC as the appellant and Eforc Interservic Ltd, Alhaji Abba M.

Usman, and Lodigiani Nigeria Ltd as respondents. The dispute arose from the blocking of Eforc Interservic Ltd's account, which led to claims of lost business opportunities and funds.

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory initially ruled in favor of Eforc, awarding pre-judgment interest of 16% and general damages of N35,000,000. The appeal by United Bank PLC was dismissed, and the Supreme Court upheld the trial court's decision, emphasizing that while the law guards against double compensation, it does not bar awards for different heads of damages in cases of injury suffered.