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The Commercial Case Law Index is a collection of judgments from African countries on topics relating to commercial legal practice. The collection aims to provide a snapshot of commercial legal practice in a country, rather than present solely traditionally "reportable" cases. The index currently covers 400 judgments from Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.
Get started on finding judgments that are relevant to you by browsing the topic list on the left of the screen. Click the arrows next to the topic names to reveal a detailed list of sub-topics. Most judgments are accompanied by a short summary written by subject-matter expert postgraduate students from the University of Cape Town.
Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited v Sam Royal Hotel Nigeria Limited (SC. 120/2006)[2016] NGSC 55 (5 February 2016) (SC. 120/2006) [1960] NGSC 1 (04 February 2016); 
CL Index Legal Professional Conduct Legal Profession Legal Professional and Judicial Conduct Filing of Process Institution of proceedings Civil Procedure Procedural Irregularity Errors and rectifications Civil ProcedureA preliminary objection by the respondent set out to expose the lack of due diligence on the part of the appellant. The respondent’s claim was that the appellant’s records were fundamentally defective and incompetent. This was because the records of the appellant were issued signed by "N. Nwanodi & Co," (which is not a legal practitioner recognized by law in Nigeria) instead of counsel’s actual name.
The counsel for appellant stated that the habit of legal practitioners' merely signing court processes in their firm's name without indicating their actual name has been allowed by this court in many cases. Thus, it was an over-adherence to technicality to annul the process improperly filed.
The respondent sought this court to employ purposive interpretation of sections 2(1) and 24 of the Legal Practitioners Act (the act) that would lead to the conclusion that the record filed was indeed fundamentally defective.
This court upheld the preliminary objection of the respondent. It held that the appellant's' notice of appeal was fundamentally defective. It concluded that the purpose of sections 2(1) and 24 of the act was to ensure accountability on the part of a legal practitioner who signs court processes.
C.B.N and Another v Aribo (SC.9/2011)[2017] NGSC 1 (12 May 2017) (SC.9/2011) [1960] NGSC 1 (11 May 2017); CL Index Breach of Contract Contract Law Foreign Currency Currency Banking, Finance and Insurance Law Malpractice Legal Profession Legal Professional and Judicial ConductWayo v Nduul and Others (SC.331/2016)[2017] NGSC 4 (9 June 2017) (SC.331/2016) [1960] NGSC 1 (08 June 2017); CL Index Legal Professional Conduct Legal Profession Legal Professional and Judicial ConductAbia State Government v Hon. Nwoko (CA/A/19/2012)[2016] NGCA 93 (23 March 2016) (CA/A/19/2012) [2016] NGCA 93 (22 March 2016); CL Index Jurisdiction International law Human Rights Behaviour of Legal Practitioner Legal Profession Legal Professional and Judicial Conduct Specific Performance Performance of contract Contract LawContract Law – payment of money – specific performance Civil procedure – jurisdiction - ratio decidendi
Ukah and Others v Onyia and Others (CA/E/295/2008)[2016] NGCA 111 (21 January 2016) (CA/E/295/2008) [2016] NGCA 111 (20 January 2016); CL Index Legal Professional Conduct Legal Profession Legal Professional and Judicial Conduct Real Estate Agent Real Estate Agents Contract Law Fiduciary DutiesThe court considered whether the second respondent was an agent of the appellants and entitled to a commission.
The court held that an agency is a fiduciary relationship created when a principal gives authority to an agent to act on his behalf which is accepted by the agent. The court also held that for a real estate agent to claim commission they must show that there was an introduction of a purchaser which was an efficient cause in bringing about the sale of a property. Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2007 Rule 7(2)(b) does not forbid a legal practitioner from engaging in the business of a commission agent.
The court found that there was no illegality in the agency agreement between the second respondent and appellants.
The court accordingly dismissed the appeal and awarded costs to the respondent.
Asare v Attorney General and Another (J1/1/2016) [2017] GHASC 25 (22 June 2017); CL Index Behaviour of Legal Practitioner Legal Profession Legal Professional and Judicial Conduct Locus Standi Parties Civil ProcedureThe court exercised its original jurisdiction to interpret constitutional provisions relating to the right of the General Legal Council to introduce examinations and interview as requirements for admission into the practical component of the law course.
The defendants raised a preliminary objection disputing the jurisdiction of the court claiming there was no issue of interpretation and also claimed that the plaintiff lacked locus standi (standing to bring the matter before the court). The court held that the matter was of public interest thus the plaintiff did not have to demonstrate personal interest. The court determined whether the imposition of the new admission requirements was unconstitutional. It was held that the council had the authority to do so but it was unconstitutional since the new requirements were implemented without legal backing (regulations). Secondly, the court determined whether the council’s failure to specify alternative places and modes of instruction for students who qualified to join the school of law was unconstitutional and held that the plaintiff was unable to prove the same. Accordingly, the matter succeeded in part and the court declared that the new admission requirements that led to exclusion of qualified persons were unconstitutional and that the Council’s policy on reviewing examination scripts and quota violated the constitution.
Korboe v Amosa (J4/56/2014) [2016] GHASC 13 (21 April 2016); CL Index Originating Process Institution of proceedings Civil Procedure Legal Professional Conduct Legal Profession Legal Professional and Judicial Conduct Unlicenced Lawyer Legal Profession Legal Professional and Judicial ConductThe court was called upon to review a decision of the Court of Appeal that held that a lawyer without a valid licence to practice cannot practice law nor prepare any court process. The court below held that any process originated by a lawyer without a licence is null. The majority decision of the court held that where a lawyer endorses a writ and court process, but he did not have a licence at the time, he cannot be said to be functioning as a lawyer and not capable of endorsing the court process. A litigant who fails to verify the legal capacity of is lawyer cannot claim miscarriage of justice because the writ endorsed by an unlicensed practitioner is without legal effect.
Oosthuizen v Castro (2858/2012)[2017] ZAFSHC 163 (18/09/2017) CL Index Duties of Financial Services Providers Banking, Finance and Insurance Law Insurance Insurance and indemnity Banking, Finance and Insurance Law Indemnity Insurance For Professionals Insurance and indemnity Banking, Finance and Insurance Law Professional Negligence Legal Profession Legal Professional and Judicial ConductThe court considered whether a Financial Services Provider (FSP) as regulated according to the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAAIS) was negligent by advising the plaintiff which led to a loss of two million Rands. Further, if the second defendant was liable to indemnify the first defendant for professional negligence considering the exclusion clause in the insurance contract.
The court held that s 16 of FAAIS requires that an FSP act honestly, fairly with due skill, care and diligence. Further that the FAAIS Code of Conduct requires professionalism, in the interest of the public. In the case of an insurance contract, the court held that an exclusion clause might make proper commercial sense, be consistent with and not repugnant to the purpose of the contract.
The court concluded that the defendant did not act in accordance with expectations of an FSP, the defendant was negligent and dishonest. Further, the purpose of the insurance contract was to indemnify the insured for professional negligence; the exclusion interpreted restrictively cannot be applicable in the case.
The defendant was ordered to pay damages of two million Rands plus interest and second defendant to indemnify the first defendant.
Major General David Tinyefuza v Attorney General ((Ruling) (Constitutional Petition No.1 of 1996)) [1997] UGCC 2 (5 March 1997); CL Index Admissibility Evidence Law Privilege Legal Profession Legal Professional and Judicial Conduct Documentary Evidence Evidence Law Have his cause heard (fair trial) Substantive rights Human Rights Receive information Substantive rights Human RightsThis appeal raises the question of admissibility of a document that was alleged to be a privileged document. The petitioner sought to have this document admitted as evidence, while the respondent argued that it should be excluded as the security of the state would be impaired.
The petitioner argued that that if this document was excluded, his constitutional right to fair trial would be violated. He further claimed that if the security of the state would be impaired by such conduct. Section 23(2) of the Constitution allows the court to hear the matters that touch on the security of the state, away from the public.
The respondent relied on s 121 of the Evidence Act. He claimed that this document relates to affairs of state and was therefore inadmissible without the consent of the head of department.
This court stated that when an act of Congress conflicts with constitutionally enshrined provisions; the Constitution prevails because it holds the paramount commands. Furthermore, it was held that the court that has the power to determine whether a matter falls within the exceptions or not. In order to do this, the state must produce evidence upon which the court can act. The state never did so.
The court examined the document in dispute and found it to relate to state security. However, the court overruled the respondent’s objection. The document was admitted as evidence in closed court.
Sudhir Rupaleria (MISC. APPLICATION NO. 1063 OF 2017) [2017] UGCOMMC 153 (21 December 2017); CL Index Fiduciary Relationship Between Attorney and Client Fiduciary relationships Fiduciary Duties Legal Professional Conduct Legal Profession Legal Professional and Judicial ConductThe applicant was a client of the first and second respondents, who represented the plaintiff (third respondent, a company) in a case against the applicant. The applicant claimed that during the legal representation, the first and second respondents became aware of facts prejudicial to him which were a violation of advocate and client relationship, thus applied for an injunction.
The court considered whether the first and second respondents also handled matters which would arise in the suit against the applicant while representing the third respondent.
The court held that where there was a fiduciary relationship, the irrebuttable presumption is that there is a possibility of disclosure. Further, although some authorities state that the applicant should plead the confidential information that could be reviewed, recent authorities have held that such pleading would be contrary to the intended confidentiality.
The court found that there was a fiduciary relationship between the first and second respondents. Moreso, the parties had a relationship of legal and litigation interaction. Therefore, information prejudicial to the applicant would likely emerge.
The court accordingly granted the application and ordered the disqualification of the first and second respondents from the pending suit.
Nyandusi v Oyuko (CIVIL APPLICATION NUMBER 0032 OF 2018) [2018] UGCA 29 (23 May 2018); CL Index Late filing and extension of time to appeal Institution of proceedings Civil Procedure Condonation Orders Civil Procedure Legal Professional Conduct Legal Profession Legal Professional and Judicial ConductThe issue before the court was an application for extension of time to file an appeal.
The applicant was seeking condonation from the court after he failed to file an appeal within the time prescribed by court rules. He based his appeal on the grounds that he was not aware of the judgment and blamed his lawyer for not informing him of the judgment. He argued that it was just and equitable for the court to extend the time to file the appeal and that there was likelihood of success.
The respondent on the other hand opposed the application arguing that the applicant failed to produce evidence to support its application.
In deciding the case, the court held that court rules empower the court to extend time limits if there are sufficient reasons. It ruled that negligence on the part of the applicant’s counsel amounts to sufficient reason for extension of time limits. The court found that refusal to extend the time limits will cause injustice to the applicant.
The application for extension of time was granted.
Meis Industries Limited & Ors v Twiga Bankcorp (Misc Commercial Cause No. 243 of 2015) [2016] TZHCComD 17; (18 February 2016) CL Index Setting Aside of Dismissal Notice Civil Remedies Behaviour of Legal Practitioner Legal Profession Legal Professional and Judicial ConductThe main case was dismissed because a party did not appear in court when it came up for hearing. The case dealt with an application to set aside the dismissal order of the court. The court held that an application to set aside a dismissal order must be based on sufficient reasons and the court has absolute discretion where sufficient cause is shown. What amounts to reasonable or sufficient cause has not been defined because the court should have the discretion to decide based on the circumstances of each case.
In this case, the applicant claimed they were not aware of the dismissal order. The court held that sufficient reasons were not shown and the court dismissed the application to set aside the dismissal notice because the lawyers were simply negligent.
Sadru Mangalji v Abdul Aziz Lalani & Ors (Misc Commercial Application No. 126 of 2016) [2016] TZHCComD 34; (16 November 2016) CL Index Want of Prosecution Conduct of proceedings Civil Procedure Behaviour of Legal Practitioner Legal Profession Legal Professional and Judicial ConductA court can dismiss a matter for want of prosecution where the person who initiated the court action does not take active steps to pursue the case in court such as not appearing in court. The court dealt with a case where the lawyer did not appear before court on the date for hearing. The case was thereafter dismissed for want of prosecution. This case was an application to set aside the order to dismiss the original court suit for want of prosecution.
To set aside an order that a court suit be set aside for want of prosecution, the applicant must give sufficient grounds that must balanced against the interests of justice. In this case, the lawyer for the applicant did not appear because he was unwell on the court hearing date. The court held that this constituted a sufficient reason to set aside the notice to dismiss the case. In the interests of justice and the compelling reasons, the application to set aside the notice to dismiss was granted.