SAULAWA, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the judgment of the Abia State High Court Ohafia Judicial Division, Coram C. B. U. Wogu, J; delivered on 31/7/96, in two consolidated suits; HOH/13/80 and HOH14/80. The two consolidated suits were both filed by the present respondent against the 13 appellants. The respondent's reliefs in the first suit (HOH13/80) as contained in the "Further Amended Statement of Claim" filed on 04/4/89 are to the effect that -
"11. By reason of the above facts the plaintiffs had suffered damages and claims from all the defendants jointly and severally as
(a) A declaration that the plaintiff is entitled to the customary rights of occupancy and has been (and is still) in possession of a piece or parcel of land known as and called "EDO UZO NDI OKORONTA" situate at Abiriba within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court the annual rent of which is not more than ten Naira (N10.00).
(b) One hundred thousand Naira (N100,000.00) bei…