AYOBODE OLUJIMI LOKULO-SODIPE, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an interlocutory appeal against the ruling delivered on 19/5/2014 by the Federal High Court, Umuahia Judicial Division presided over by Hon. Justice F.A. Olubanjo (hereafter to be simply referred to as the lower Court and learned trial Judge respectively) in respect of a preliminary objection (hereafter to be simply referred to as P.O) brought by the Defendants (now Appellants) challenging the jurisdiction of the lower Court to entertain the Claimants (now Respondents) action. The lower Court in its ruling appealed against overruled the Appellants P.O.
The Respondents initiated the instant case by a writ of summons dated 3/12/2013 and which ex-facie duly issued. In paragraph 19 of the statement of claim, it is stated thus:
Wherefore the Claimants have been greatly damnified and claim against the Defendants jointly and severally as follows: -
1. A Declaration the Apostolic Church, Aba Field, Nigeria, as propo…