M. D. MUHAMMAD, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading judgment): The appellant in the instant appeal was respondent's employee. The period of employment spanned between 13th June and 23rd December, 1996. Before the determination of the employment at the latter date, respondent had in the course of same applied and was granted various loans by his employer. The sums remained outstanding against the respondent as at the time he ceased to be employed. He would not pay the loans that had become due inspite of repeated demands by the respondent.
By an amended statement of claim dated 4th January, 2001, the respondent as plaintiff in suit No. LD/1011/2000 in the Lagos State High Court claimed against the appellant as defendant, the sum of N1,349,671.54 (one million, three hundred and forty nine thousand, six hundred and seventy one naira, fifty four kobo). The amount was total outstanding principal and interests in respect of the various loans applied for and obtained by the appellant from the res…