EQUITY BANK RWANDA LTD v. SEBAHIZI_kn (2)

EQUITY BANK RWANDA LTD v. SEBAHIZI_kn (2)

The Supreme Court found that Equity Bank Rwanda Ltd was solely liable for the unauthorized withdrawal and transfer of $30,000 from Sebahizi's account because the bank failed to follow its own operational procedures, which required it to call and confirm with the customer before executing such a transaction. The...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RLR V.3-2018
Parties
Appellant: EQUITY BANK RWANDA LTD; Respondent: Sebahizi Jules
Court
Supreme Court
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
26 January 2018
Case Number
RS/INJUST/RCOM00001/2017/SC
Procedural Posture
Civil Commercial / Supreme Court Review on Grounds of Injustice
Outcome
appeal dismissed, review allowed, judgment for respondent
Legal Topics
Bank Liability, Customer Protection, Contractual Obligations, Damages, Banking Procedures, Review on Grounds of Injustice
Banking Law Contract Law Civil Procedure Bank Liability Customer Protection Contractual Obligations Damages Banking Procedures +1 more

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Parties

EQUITY BANK RWANDA LTD

Appellant

Sebahizi Jules

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Commercial / Supreme Court Review on Grounds of Injustice

  1. 1 Whether the bank was liable for unauthorized withdrawal and transfer of funds from the customer's account
  2. 2 Whether the customer contributed to the loss and should bear part of the loss
  3. 3 Whether the customer is entitled to damages, interest, and legal fees

Ratio Decidendi

The Supreme Court found that Equity Bank Rwanda Ltd was solely liable for the unauthorized withdrawal and transfer of $30,000 from Sebahizi's account because the bank failed to follow its own operational procedures, which required it to call and confirm with the customer before executing such a transaction. The Court rejected the bank's argument that the customer bore partial responsibility, finding no evidence of contributory negligence. The Court ordered the bank to reimburse the full amount, pay interest at the prevailing bank rate, compensate for moral damages, reimburse legal costs, and pay court fees.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed, review allowed, judgment for respondent

Orders

  • Equity Bank Rwanda Ltd to pay Sebahizi Jules $30,000 withdrawn without authorization
  • Equity Bank Rwanda Ltd to pay Sebahizi Jules $5,074 as interest for loss of use of funds