IGUH, J.S.C. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The proceedings leading to this appeal were first initiated in the High Court of Justice of the former Imo State of Nigeria, Umuahia Judicial Division, holden at Umuahia on the 9th day of April, 1986. In that court, the appellants, for themselves and as representing members of the Amawom Community, Oboro. Ikwuano claimed against the defendants, for themselves and as representing members or the lhim community, Ibere Ikwuano as follows:-
1. A declaration that the plaintiffs are entitled to the customary right of occupancy of all those pieces or parcels of land known as and called "Inyinukwu" lying, situate and being in Amawom. Obara, Ikwuano within the Umuahia Judicial Division which land are more particularly delineated and shown in the plaintiffs' survey plan No. VEN/D82/86 therein verged pink and whose annual rental value is about ₦20.00.
2. ₦50,000.00 being special and general damages far trespass on the said land in that on or about …