To What Extent Can Equity Find Expression in Constructive Trust Under the Nigerian Legal System?

Abstract

The object of this paper is to examine the assertion that, constructive trust is a vital legal mechanism through which the conscience of equity finds expression. When real property is acquired in such circumstances that the legal title holder may not in good conscience keep the beneficial interest, equity makes him a trustee of the property.[1] This treatise does not seek to provide a comprehensive philosophical analysis of constructive trust as a subject-matter however, it sets out to elucidate the landscape, growth and cogency for the imposition of constructive trust as probably a safer means by which the legal and equitable interests of the relevant parties may be protected in real and personal properties. Thus, the paper assessed the degree to which constructive trust as equitable remedy is applicable under the Nigerian legal system. Also, the paper seeks to offer viable suggestions for the improvement of the concept and applicability of constructive trust in contemporary settings.

Keywords: Constructive trust, Equity, Land.

[1] per Lord Denning in Binion v Evans (1972) Ch 359