Edward v Okeke & Ors

Edward v Okeke & Ors

The claims, being primarily for unliquidated damages (psychiatric injury, defamation, harassment, reputational harm), are not for specified sums but for amounts to be decided by the court. Default judgment is granted for damages to be assessed, not for the specified sum of £100,000. In the Okeke case, an interim payment of £15,000 is allowed for specified financial losses. The court will not direct a hearing on notice to the defendants at this stage, as the rules require the request for default judgment to be actioned administratively where requirements are met.

Parties
Claimant: Edward; Defendant: Chinzano Okeke; Defendant: Larry N Olisa; Defendant: Valentine Mbanalu; Defendant: Valentine Akosa; Defendant: Emodi
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 October 2024
Procedural Posture
Civil / Judgment on Default Judgment Applications
Outcome
Default judgment for damages to be assessed; interim payment in Okeke case; costs to claimant; permission to appeal granted.
Legal Topics
Default Judgment, Service Out of Jurisdiction, Damages Assessment, Defamation, Harassment, Breach of Confidence, Data Protection
Civil Procedure Defamation Contract Tort Default Judgment Service Out of Jurisdiction Damages Assessment Harassment +2 more

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 5 Authorities cited 16 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Edward

Claimant

Chinzano Okeke

Defendant

Larry N Olisa

Defendant

Valentine Mbanalu

Defendant

Valentine Akosa

Defendant

Emodi

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Judgment on Default Judgment Applications

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the claimant is entitled to default judgment for specified sums against defendants served out of jurisdiction who have not responded
  2. 2 Whether the claims are for specified sums or for damages to be assessed by the court
  3. 3 Whether the court should direct a hearing on notice to the defendants before entering default judgment

Ratio Decidendi

The claims, being primarily for unliquidated damages (psychiatric injury, defamation, harassment, reputational harm), are not for specified sums but for amounts to be decided by the court. Default judgment is granted for damages to be assessed, not for the specified sum of £100,000. In the Okeke case, an interim payment of £15,000 is allowed for specified financial losses. The court will not direct a hearing on notice to the defendants at this stage, as the rules require the request for default judgment to be actioned administratively where requirements are met.

Court Disposition

Default judgment for damages to be assessed; interim payment in Okeke case; costs to claimant; permission to appeal granted.

Orders

  • Default judgment for damages to be assessed against each defendant.
  • Interim payment of £15,000 in Okeke case.