Justice Okikiolu Ighile of Badagry High Court in Lagos State has adjourned till March 7 a N36.8 million claim against a new generation Bank by a businessman.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lasisi Ayomumoye sued the bank, claiming N36.8 million for a breach of deed of a property sub-lease.
At the last hearing, the claimant’s counsel, Akinpelu Salau, told the court the amendment of statement of claims by the defendant was filed on December 5 and that he needed time to study it.
No counsel represented the bank at the sitting, and Justice Ighile adjourned till January 25.
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Salau, who said he was still studying the amended statement of claims by the defendant, demanded that trial should go on as scheduled.
But the bank’s lawyer Tokunbo Ajidelu pressed for adjournment, although he had submitted the amended statement of claims.
In a statement of claims by Salau, the claimant said a deed of sub-lease, which began on October 1, 2006, was breached by the bank on his building at Plot 15, Aina Layout, Dopemu on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.
He said contrary to the deed of sub-lease, the bank demolished the property and erected a structure without his consent or approval.
The businessman is demanding N24 million as cost of restructuring the present building to a multi-purpose building, similar to what the structure was when the deed was signed.
He said upon discovery of the breach, the claimant wrote to the bank, requesting compensation, but was ignored.
The claimant alleged the bank in 2008 registered a forged deed of sub-lease, purporting same to be the one executed by him.
He added that the document was different from the one executed by both parties in 2006.