Badagry boat, canoe suit: Court to rule on May 15

By Bartholomew Madukwe

A Lagos State High Court, Badagry, has fixed May 15, 2023 for ruling on the Application for joinder, in a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Boat and Canoe Dealer Association of Badagry.

In the Application filed on Wednesday, parties seeking to be joined in Suit No. BD/8264CMW/2021 are Saad Zannu and Sunday Alakon.

Defendants in the suit are Paul Folorunso Zannu, Dele Awosika, Saliu Kerekpen Zannu, Kofi Wusu, Abiodun Unbo (Representing Agbalaka Market Planks Union) and Persons Unknown. 

Anthony Williams, counsel to parties seeking to be joined in the suit, informed the court that the grounds for the application are: "That the Applicant/party seeking to be joined are interested parties in this suit, but reside outside jurisdiction as only became aware of the suit recently, at a meeting to resolve the matter, and the name of the 3rd Defendants son (Saheed Zannu) was mentioned in the statement of the claimant, the 2nd claimant- his uncle and blood brother of the 3rd Defendant herein. 

"The Applicants/Parties seeking to be joined in this suit are necessary and desirable parties in the effectual adjudication of this suit property, hence their joinder is necessary." 

 After listening to counsels in the matter, the trial judge, Justice M.O. Dawodu, adjourned ruling on the Application for joinder till May 15, but noted that it is strange for Saad, who is seeking to be joined, to say he knows nothing about the suit. 

Justice Dawodu pointed out that the grounds for the parties to be joined in the suit "mean nothing", adding that what is vital is whether if not joined, the parties seeking to be joined would suffer any damage.