2019 PROPERTY LAW PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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NIGERIAN LAW SCHOOL
BWARI – ABUJA
BAR EXAMINATION-PART II FINAL
PROPERTY LAW PRACTICE
SATURDAY 17TH AUGUST, 2019 TIME ALLOWED: 3 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS:
THIS PAPER IS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS. TWO ANSWER BOOKLETS ARE PROVIDED. QUESTIONS FORM EACH SECTION SHOULD BE ANSWERED ON A SEPARATE ANSWER BOOKLET. QUESTIONS 1 AND 4 ARE COMPULSORY. ONE OTHER QUESTION FROM EACH SECTION SHOULD BE ATTEMPTED.
WRITE YOUR EXAMINATION NUMBER ON EACH ANSWER BOOKLET.
SECTION A
QUESTION 1 (COMPULSORY)
The graduating Class of the College of St. Joseph Vom, Jos, Plateau State had their 45th Anniversary Reunion in June 2019. As part of the Re-union Programme, they had a Session on “Wills: Putting Your Home in Order” presented by a Law professor. Afterwards, some members of the Class undertook the following:
(a) Dr. Isa Pam, married, drafted his Will and distributed his three houses, 2(two) cars and shares in two companies amongst his two children and wife. He asked his wife to attest the Will.
(b) Mr. Elisha Davou brought out his earlier executed Will to go through and then cancelled his bequest to his sin who offended him and wrote in its place the name of his fifth son.
(c) Dr. Ochi Inalewa instructed his lawyers to draft his Will. His lawyer on his instructions included the following:
(i) I give to my wife, Agnes, a Sony Model Television set.
(ii) I give to my sister Mary the sum of #500,000.00 to be paid from the estate I inherited from my mother.
(iii) I give the remainder of my estate to my children in equal proportion.
(d) Professor Eghosa Edoho resident in Benin gave instructions to his lawyer to bequeath all his properties to his two daughters to the exclusion of his first son born outside wedlock.
Answer the following questions:
(a) List four advantages of making a Will that you will advise the Law Professor to mention at the lecture.
(b) Comment on the validity of what Dr. Isa Pam drafted with respect to the provisions of the applicable Wills Act on execution and attestation.
(c) Draft the introductory part of Mr. Elisha Davou’s Will including the revocation clause.
(d) What is the implication, if any, of Mr. Elisha Davou’s alteration?
(e) What other way could he effect the alteration?
(f) Draft the charging clause for the executors in Mr. Elisha Davou’s Will.
(g) What is the implication of Professor Eghosa Edoho’s devises?
(h) Identify the types of legacies in Dr. Ochi Inalegwu’s instructions.
(i) Draft the execution clause of Professor Eghosa’s Will.
QUESTION 2
Chief Kenneth Ayekwe, Mr. Musa Adome and Mrs. Viola Dom respectively got the following properties in the testate estate of Mr. Dudu Osun who died on 11/11/2018:
(a) A bungalow at Onitsha, Anambra State;
(b) A warehouse at Wuse, Abuja; and
(c) A block of 4 flats at Yaba, Lagos covered by the Certificate of Occupancy dated 11/11/2015 and registered as 111/111/2015B in the Land Registry.
Answer the following questions:
(a) Assuming Chief Ayekwe decides to sell off his own gift, answer the following questions:
(i) State five(5) laws relevant to the proposed transaction
(ii) State any three documents that may be prepared during the process of sale and state the purpose or purposes of each as well as the person responsible for preparing the document.
(iii) Assuming you are solicitor to the prospective purchaser of Chief Ayekwe’s property, state the reasons why pre-contract enquiries are helpful.
(iv) Mention the contents of the operative part of the final document of the transfer in the transaction.
(v) Draft the concluding part of the final document of transfer in the transaction.
QUESTION 3
Captain Tamuno Ajayi, a retired Army Officer took a loan of N10,000,000 from First Bank Plc Enugu in January 2013. He used his duplex at No. 30, Bank Road, Owerri to secure the loan. In April, 2014, he applied to the same Bank for additional loan of N10,000,000.00 to be secured by the same security. The Bank declined his request contending that such a thing was not tenable in law. The initial loan was yet to become due when the bank advertised the property for sale by public auction. Captain Tamuno has approached you for advise.
Answer the following questions:
(a) (i) Assuming you are Peter Henshaw November of Henshaw Chambers, Independence Layout, Owerri, the lawyer Captain Tamuno approached, write a letter to your client, reacting to the Bank’s response to his request for additional loan and stating the conditions under which the request may be possible.
(ii) State at least five other options available to First Bank PLC to recover a Mortgage Loan.
(b) Draft the execution and attestation clauses of the document the parties will prepare.
(c) (i) Assuming Captain Ajayi decided to grant a term of 10 years to Sight and Sound Centre, an NGO for (visually impaired and Deaf Teenagers) of 23, Amu Drive, Owerri, IMO State at an annual rent of N2 million. The NGO paid two years in advance.
Captain Ajayi wants his lawyer to also represent the NGO. The NGO is not sure if this is possible and has come to you. Advice the NGO.
(ii) Explain to the NGO how the legal practitioner who charge his fees for acting for both parties.
SECTION B
PLEASE USE ANOTHER ANSWER BOOKLET FOR THIS SECTION
_______________________________________________________________________
QUESTION 4 (COMPULSORY)
Mr. Divine Olorunbe and his University roommate Mr. Collins Richard both live at No. 87 Iweka Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
They jointly bought a plot of land at 13, Johnson Street, Ibeju-Lekki Jos, Plateau State. The plot of land was partitioned as Plot A13, Johnson Street and Plot B13 John’s Street, Ibeju-Lekki Jos Plateau State. Mr. Olorunbe used his property to secure a loan of N400,000.00 (and interest rate at 10% monthly) from Bluezeal Bank of 13 Judr Street, Ring Road, Jos, Plateau State repayable within the duration of 12 months.
A document was executed by the parties in respect of the transaction. Mr. Olorunbe intends to use the loan to start snail business. Three months after Mr. Olorunbe collected the loan, he approached the Bank indicating his interest to pay off the entire sum but the bank refused vehemently.
Mr. Richard on his part, granted a term of 4 years in respect of his property to Purple Blaze Ventures of 3 Bonga Street, Ikoyi Lagos as a parking space.
Mrs Silva Jones, the owner of Purple Blaze Ventures paid N50,000.00 annually for the property, she paid for the entire four years.
Mr. Richard intends to further his education in South Korea as a result of which he retained the services of Miss Alheri Buba of 12 Ross Street Ikeja Lagos to manage the property on his behalf furiously his period of absence.
Answer the following questions:
(a) Assuming you are Mr. Olu Ozage of 2 Kole Street, Anthony Lagos a solicitor, write a letter to Bluezeal Bank:
(i) Stating the various modes of creating the transaction between the Bank and Mr. Olorunbe.
(ii) Commenting on the propriety or otherwise of the Bank’s refusal to accept Mr. Olorunbe’s outright repayment proposal.
(iii) Commenting on the propriety or otherwise of the Bank’s refusal to accept Mr. Olorunbe’s outright repayment proposal.
(b) Draft the concluding part of the document to be executed in respect of the grant of 4 years by Mr. Richard.
(c) Calculate the Legal Practitioners fee for Negotiating the transaction between Mr. Richard and Miss Alheri where the solicitor acts for both parties.
(d) Identify the various modes of making the transaction between Mr. Richard and Miss Alheri.
(e) Draft the document to be executed between Mr. Richard and Miss Alheri.
Assuming Mr. Richard has registered his property and obtained a C of O registered as 33/22/8857 and he intends to grant the unexpired residue in his property to University of Lagos of 3, Akoka Street, Yaba Lagos at the rate of 1 million Naira only.
(f) Identify 5 reasons why you as a solicitor will advise University of Lagos to investigate the title of the property to be acquired.
(g) Assuming Bluezeal Bank succeeded in selling Mr. Olorunbe’s property, identify the appropriate steps to be followed in sharing the proceeds of the sale.
QUESTION 5
Simi Pam of No. 3 Raymond Road, Jos, is a beneficiary of the Federal Government Social Investment Programme and she is desirous of owning a property. She has agreed to buy a 2 bedroom duplex on a land measuring 2000 square metres situate at No. 20, Ahmadu Bello Way, Jos from Chief Williams Gyung for a consideration of N150/Million.
Instantly a 10% deposit of the total consideration was paid into the account of Mrs. Success Mercy domiciled at First Bank Plc who has agreed to act on behalf of Chief Williams Gyang in the transaction. As soon as Success Mercy got the Bank alert for the deposit, she handed over a conveyance dated 2nd June, 1980 to Simi Pam. Simi Pam is desirous of acquiring the property as soon as possible and has asked you to draft only the relevant final document to consummate the transactions.
Answer the following questions:
(a) Advise Simi Pam on the need to draw up a formal contract before a deed of assignment.
(b) Briefly explain to Simi Pam the stages in a contract of sale and the activities involved in each of the stages.
(c) State or list the advantage(s) if any, of the payment of 10% deposit to Chief Williams Gyang.
(d) Assuming Mrs Success Mercy handed over to you as solicitor to Simi Pam the following documents:
(i) Conveyance dated 2nd March, 1979 from one John Audu to Mr. Emeka Nwogu registered as 20/20/1969 at the land registry, Jos.
(ii) A Will dated 17th June, 1983 in which the property known No. 20 Ahmadu Bello Way, Jos was devised to Stephen Gyang.
(iii) A deed of Legal Mortgage dated 4th March, 2014 in which No. 20 Ahmadu Bello Way, Jos was mortgaged to Freedom Bank Plc.,
Answer the following questions:
(a) State the steps you will take to investigate the title to the property known as No. 20 Ahmadu Bello Way, Jos.
(b) After concluding the search mention matters to be included in the search report.
(c) List the laws applicable to this transaction
QUESTION 6
Princess Amina Obite bought a piece of land at plot 25 Abeni Drive, Abuja from Okoye Olafusi in 2001 for #1.5 Million. In 2008, she built three units of two bedroom flats and a corner shop on the land at a cost of #60 Million. After the death of her husband in 2014, she sold the property to Senator Momodu for #135 Million to raise funds to complete a capital project at Osogbo. She advertised the sale in “Amebo Voice” for #300,000, for Thousand, paid the estate values #1 Million, paid #1.5 Million to the solicitor who acted on the sale; sum of #500,000 Thousand was spent on renovation of the roof of the corner shop and a sum of #50,000 was spent on snacks and refreshments for the site workers at Abuja. The solicitor, Obaji Lynda, advised Amin’s not to pay any tax in respect of the transaction. Senator Momodu wants the sale to be perfected as quickly as possible so he can apply for a Mortgage facility from Veritoz Bank Ltd. Tgr three units of flats are to be used as security for the loan. Senator Momodu and the solicitor conspired to evade the payment of consent and registration fees.
Answer the following questions:
(a) List the applicable legislations to the above transaction.
(b) Mention five taxes payable in respect of the transactions in the scenario.
(c) Mention the effect(s) of Senator Momodu’s failure to pay consent fee.
(d) Who has the obligation to pay the Capital Gain Tax? Compute the Capital Gain Tax payable on the property.
(e) State what is regarded as allowable expenses in computing capital gain tax.
(f) State the appropriateness or otherwise of the solicitor’s role in circumventing the payment of taxes.
COUNCIL OF LEGAL EDUCATION
NIGERIAN LAW SCHOOL
BAR PT II EXAMINATIONS
AUGUST 2019
PROPERTY LAW PRACTICE
MARKING SCHEME
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
- Four advantages of making a Will:
- To avoid the problem of intestacy
- To have the choice of appointing executors of his estate
- To confer extended powers on executors beyond that contemplated in the rules of administration of estates in the jurisdiction
- To select and appoint guardians to look after the testator’s minor children
- Gives the testator opportunity to make a positive display or demonstration of his wishes and desires
- A Will saves time and money
- Will gives the testator peace of mind
- It empowrs the personal representatives to act before obtaining probate
ANY FOUR 4 MARKS
- A properly executed Will must be signed, acknowledged by the testator in the presence of at least two witnesses present at the same time. A Will attests to by less than two witnesses is invalid. In this case, Dr. Pam’s Will attested to by only his wife is invalid. Section 9 Wills Act
2 MARKS
Furthermore, assuming the Will was validly attested to, a beneficiary ought not to attest a Will. Any gift to such attesting witness will fail. In the circumstances, the gift to the wife under the Will fails. ROSS V. COUNTERS; S 15 WILLS ACT; S.8 WILLS LAW (LAGOS).
2 MARKS
- THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF ME, MR. ELISHA DAVOU of No. 123 Street, Aminu Road, Jos, Plateau State made this __day of__2019
I REVOKE all former testamentary dispositions made by me.
2 MARKS
- For an alteration of a clause in a Will after execution to be valid, the alteration must be properly executed by the testator in the same manner as a Will. The alteration therefore, is not valid. Not being valid, the Will will be admitted to probate in its original form. See In Re Redding; In the Goods of Beavan.
2 MARKS
- Alteration of a Will being a technical issue, can only be effected by cancellation and execution in the presence of witnesses who should also attest the alteration. Section 8 Wills Act
However, since the essence of alteration is to change the beneficiary, Mr. Davou may execute a codicil or execute another Will.
1 MARK
- I DECLARE that my executors (executors of my Will) shall be entitled to charge and be psid the usual professional fees or charges for work done, services rendered and time spent by him or his him in the administration of my estate.
- The testamentary freedom of an individual subject to Bini Native Law and Custom is restricted because such a person cannot dispose of any property subject to customary law contrary to native law and custom. In this case, Professor Edosa Edoho was subject to Bini Customary Law, he is precluded from disposing of his Igiogbe to any person other than his first son. Therefore, the disposition of his Igiogbe to his daughter is invalid. Section 3 Wills Law, Edo State.
2 MARKS
IDEHEN V. IDEHEN; LAWAL-OSULA V. LAWAL-OSULA 1 MARK (½ mark for each case)
- Clause (i) — General legacy 1 MARK
Clause (ii) —- Demonstrative/ Pecuniary legacy 1 MARK
Clause (iii) —– Residuary legacy 1 MARK
- Execution clause
SIGNED by theTestator, Professor Edosa Edoho——————-
in our joint presence of us who in his presence and that of each other later attested our names as witnesses
_________________________ _________________________
Name Name
(Witness) (Witness)
QUESTION 2:
- The applicable laws are as follows:
- Conveyancing Act
- Land Use Act
- Wills Act,1837
- Constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigerian, 1999 As Amended,
- Legal Practitioners Act
- Stamp Duties Act
- Rules of Professional Conduct
- Case Law
- Administration and Succession (Estate of Deceased Person) Law of Anambra State, Cap 4, Revised Edition, Laws of Anambra State, 19991
- Personal Income Tax Act
- Evidence Act
- Capital Gain Tax Act
- Stamp Duties Act
- Legal Practitioners (Remuneration for Legal Documentation and Other Land Matters) Order, 1991
- Land Instrument Registration Law
ANY FIVE 2½ MARK
- The following documents may be prepared during the process of sale
- Contract of Sale of land to be prepared by the vendor’s solicitor
- Deed of Assignment. It vests the legal title in the assignee. This is prepared by assignee/ his solicitor.
- Epitome and Abstract of title to be prepared by vendor or the vendor’s solicitor. This helps in ascertaining the history of the devolution of the property. This is prepared by the vendor/ his solicitor.
- Pre-contract enquiries- This is a document sent by a prospective purchase to the vendor requiring him to supply certain preliminary information relating to that property. The prospective buyer/ his solicitor prepares this.
- Completion statement- This is a financial statement prepared by the Assignor and Assignee stating the outstanding funds required for the transaction. This is prepared by both parties.
- Requisitions of title- This raises questions on doubts arising from investigation of the vendor’s title. The purchaser/ his solicitor prepares this.
- Search Report- It gives the purchaser the update on the investigation conducted in respect of the property. The purchaser’s solicitor prepares the document.
- Answers to requisition- this contains the Assignor’s response to the requisition raised and the Assignor/ his solicitor prepares it.
- Receipt- evidence of payment issued by the purchaser after payment of deposit/ consideration. It is used to enforce specific performance of the contract. It is prepared by the vendor’s/ assignor’s solicitor.
ANY THREE 1½ MARKS FOR EACH POINT ( 5 MARKS IN ALL)
iii. A Pre-Contract Enquiry is helpful based on the following:
- It helps to disclose certain defects on the property.
- It ascertains the suitability or otherwise of the property based on the proposed use.
- It helps in deciding on whether to enter negotiation or not.
1½ MARKS
- CONTENT OF AN OPERATIVE PART INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
- Testatum
- Consideration Clause
- Receipt Clause
- Covenant of Title
- Words of Grant
- Parcel Clause
- Habendum
ANY SIX 1½ MARKS
- IN WITNESS OF WHICH THE PARTIES HAVE EXECUTED THIS DEED IN THE MANNER BELOW THE DAY AND YEAR FIRST ABOVE WRITTEN
OR
IN WITNESS OF WHICH the parties have set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.
1½ MARKS
SIGNED, SEALED & DELIVERED by the within-named ASSIGNOR
_____________________________
Mr. Anyakwe
1½ MARKS
IN THE PRESENCE OF:
NAME: ………………………………………………
ADDRESS:………………………………………………
OCCUPATION:………………………………………………
SIGNATURE:………………………………………………
1½ MARKS
SIGNED, SEALED & DELIVERED by the within-named ASSIGNOR
_____________________________
Assignee
IN THE PRESENCE OF:
NAME: ………………………………………………
ADDRESS:………………………………………………
OCCUPATION:………………………………………………
SIGNATURE:………………………………………………
1½ MARKS
