Go and Settle With Casafina – Court
Justice Olukayode Ogunjobi of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Osborne has told parties in the land dispute involving Net Construct Nigeria Limited and Amytorix Company Nigeria Limited to go and settle matters involving Casafina Capital Limited.
The judge made the position clear while ruling in the suit marked LD/10193LMW/21, which borders on ownership and control of a large parcel of land in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Justice Ogunjobi held that Casafina did not demonstrate that its participation was necessary for the court to determine the issues already before it between the main parties, noting that the company remains free to pursue any claims it believes it has through a separate legal action if it feels its rights have been affected.
The ruling also underscores that Casafina is not barred from seeking redress independently where it considers its interests to have been impacted.
The court found that the company did not provide sufficient evidence linking its alleged interest directly to the disputed property. According to the judge, Casafina failed to present survey plans, title documents or other materials capable of firmly establishing its claim over the land in question.
It was further held that the law does not allow the inclusion of a party in a matter simply because of an indirect or collateral interest in the subject matter of litigation.
Justice Ogunjobi stressed that the dispute between Net Construct and Amytorix can be fully resolved without the involvement of Casafina, adding that any separate grievances can be pursued through the appropriate legal channels.
Casafina had argued that it purchased part of the disputed land from Amytorix in 2020 and developed 22 housing units on the property. It maintained that any decision in the case could affect its interests and should therefore be heard.
The company also claimed it only became aware of the ongoing litigation years after it commenced and later received notice allegedly terminating its interest in the property. It insisted that its Deed of Assignment protects its rights.
Net Construct, however, maintained that there was no direct claim against Casafina in the suit and that any issue involving the company arose from a separate arrangement with Amytorix.
The court’s position effectively directs that any dispute involving Casafina be addressed, while allowing the main parties to continue with efforts toward resolving their settlement.
The decision marks a key development in the long-running dispute over a large expanse of land in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, which has been before the court since 2021.