ITA G. MBANA, J.C.A. (Delivering the lead Judgment): The claimant (now Respondent) claimed the sum of N1,232,012.24 (One Million, two hundred and thirty two thousand, twelve naira twenty four kobo) as per its writ of summons, filed on 28/4/2006 being balance due to it for supply of its products to the defendants (now Appellants).
The Defendants, on the other hand, counter-claimed against the claimant for the sum of One Million Three Hundred and Eighty five Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty Seven Naira Twenty Nine kobo (N1,395,957.29).
But in their statement of defence, the Defendants raised a preliminary point of law, challenging the jurisdiction of the Court on grounds of locus standi and the court, in compliance with the Rules, set the same down for hearing. Both parties submitted their written addresses on the preliminary point of law. The court, however, declined to rule on the issue and rather opted to hear the case in full, that is, the court put the preliminary objection "on hol…