Ecobank Nigeria Limited has lodged an appeal against the ruling of the Federal High Court, Lagos, delivered by Hon. Justice M. Liman, in the N72bn lawsuit brought against it by Honeywell Flour Mills Plc.
In its notice of appeal dated 19th July 2023, filed on the same date, Ecobank attempted to overturn the judgment delivered on 18th July 2023.
The bank is also seeking an Order from the Court of Appeal to uphold its Notice of Preliminary Objection, challenging the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to preside over the matter.
Alternatively, Ecobank requested the Court of Appeal to dismiss Honeywell’s claim at the lower court, stating that the evidence presented did not Alongside the Notice of Appeal, Ecobank filed a Motion on Notice to stay the execution of the lower court’s judgment and to prevent Honeywell or any party acting on their behalf from taking advantage of the ruling pending the appeal hearing.
The bank also attempted to prevent the Deputy Sheriff of the Federal High Court, bailiffs, and any other involved parties from implementing the judgment.
The bank filed several grounds of appeal, including, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to mediate on the matter seeing that the court lacked the power to entertain a claim for damages based on an undertaking made by the bank despite the judgment of the Supreme Court, which confirmed Honeywell’s indebtedness to Ecobank and directed Honeywell to settle its obligations.
Ecobank maintained that this judgment by the Supreme Court invalidated the foundation of Honeywell’s current suit.
In its third Ground of Appeal, Ecobank claimed that the judgment was delivered outside the constitutionally prescribed period of 90 days, resulting in a miscarriage of justice against the bank.
The hearing came to an end on 9th March 2021, and written addresses were adopted on 16th March 2022, while the judgment was delivered on 18th July 2023, more than two years after the trial’s conclusion. Ecobank argues that the elongated delay affected the court’s impression of the trial, leading to a judgment that does not align with the weight of evidence presented.
A spokesperson for Ecobank said, “The company would diligently pursue the appeal with the aim of overturning the judgment of the Federal High Court.
“Additionally, Ecobank remains committed to recovering the debts owed by Honeywell, emphasising that the return of depositors’ funds is crucial for ensuring the continued support and growth of local businesses by bank.”
