Spliethoff’s Bevrachtingskantoor B.V. v. The Attorney General of the Federation and others (The Leliegracht) - Federal High Court (Muhammad J.) - 11 October 1988

Whether shipowner can limit liabiity where settlement previously made with injured parties

In September 1979 the vessel Leliegracht collided with the Police jetty at Port Harcourt. The jetty was damaged, as were several boats moored alongisde. The ship was ordered to be detained by the Federal Ministry of Transport. While the ship was under detention, the owners of the damaged boats made claims against the owners of the ship. After negotiations, the managing owners of the ship agreed and paid all the claimants the sum of 499,377 Naira as full settlement of the various claims.