While the Plaintiff on the other hand raised one issue for determination to
wit:“Whether the Plaintiff herein has made out his case upon the
balance of probabilities and is entitled to the reliefs sought”
sought”
1st Defendant Counsel submitted that it is settled law that he that asserts
must prove in order to succeed in his claim. Isegbkun V. Adelaki (2003) 2
NWLR (part 1337) p. 165, paragraphs G – H.
Counsel submitted further that it is settled law that an unchallenged,
uncontroverted averment stands admitted and will be taken as the true
state of affairs. He cited the case of Salzgitter Stah (Gmbh) V. Tunji
Dosunmu Industrial Ltd (2010) 42 (part 2 NSCQR 1085 at p. 1109, Per C. M
Chukwuma – Eneh, Jsc.
Counsel further submitted that the Plaintiff had ample opportunity to cross
examine the 1st Defendant’s witness and produce documents in rebuttal
of 1st Defendant’s claim and assertions, but has failed to do so, i.e. to
shake / dislodge the facts placed before the Court by the Defendant.
He referred the Court to the case of Omodele Ashabieya And 2ors V.
Alhaji Risikatu Lopade & 1or (2011) 11 NWLR (part 1259) page 505 at 534
paragraphs C – D, the supreme Court held as follows:“Where a party fails to adduce evidence in support of any
assertion in his pleading he is deemed to have abandoned his
pleading on the fact”.
Again Counsel submitted that the Plaintiff has been unable to discharge
the burden of proof placed on him.
On right to comment on documents before the Court, counsel submitted
that parties to a suit have all the right to comment on documents already
in evidence before the Court. He stated that this position of law was
restated by the supreme Court in the case of General Muhammadu
Buhari V. Independent National Electoral Commission & 4ors (2008) 19
NWLR (part 1120) page 246 at page 392 paragraphs E – H, thus:“Counsel on all sides are free to comment
comment on documents which
had been tendered in evidence, including drawing inferences
and conclusions at the address stage”.
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