header-logo header-logo

Home Login E-newsletter About us
26 April 2012
Issue: 7596 / Categories: Case law , Law reports , In Court
printer mail-detail

Limitation of action—Period of limitation—Fraudulent breach of trust

© Copyright LexisNexis 2026. All Rights Reserved.

Williams v Central Bank of Nigeria [2014] UKSC 10

Supreme Court, Lord Neuberger P, Lord Mance, Lord Clarke, Lord Sumption and Lord Hughes SCJJ, 19 February 2014

A stranger to a trust who is liable to account on the grounds of dishonest assistance in a breach of trust or knowing receipt of trust assets is not a trustee for the purposes of s 21(1)(a) of the Limitation Act 1980 (LA 1980), nor does an action “in respect of” any fraud or fraudulent breach of trust to which the trustee was a party or privy include, for the purposes of the sub-section, an action against a party which is not itself a trustee. 

Guy Philipps QC & Edward Levey (instructed by Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP) for the bank. Jonathan Adkin QC (instructed by Alfred James & Co Solicitors LLP) for W.

The claimant claimed to be the victim of a fraud instigated by the Nigerian State Security Services in 1986. He alleged that he had

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Read All
Sponsored by
NLJ Career Profile: Ken Fowlie, Stowe Family Law

NLJ Career Profile: Ken Fowlie, Stowe Family Law

Ken Fowlie, chairman of Stowe Family Law, reflects on more than 30 years in legal services after ‘falling into law’

Jackson Lees Group—Jannina Barker, Laura Beattie & Catherine McCrindle

Jackson Lees Group—Jannina Barker, Laura Beattie & Catherine McCrindle

Firm promotes senior associate and team leader as wills, trusts and probate team expands

Asserson—Michael Francos-Downs

Asserson—Michael Francos-Downs

Manchester real estate finance practice welcomes legal director

NEWS
Read All
‘Lost years’ precedent overturned
Children can claim for ‘lost years’ damages in personal injury cases, the Supreme Court has held in a landmark judgment
NLJ this week: When ‘milk’ really means milk
The Supreme Court has drawn a firm line under branding creativity in regulated markets. In Dairy UK Ltd v Oatly AB, it ruled that Oatly’s ‘post-milk generation’ trade mark unlawfully deployed a protected dairy designation. In NLJ this week, Asima Rana of DWF explains that the court prioritised ‘regulatory clarity over creative branding choices’, holding that ‘designation’ extends beyond product names to marketing slogans
NLJ this week: Civil practice with claws & caution
From cat fouling to Part 36 brinkmanship, the latest 'Civil way' round-up is a reminder that procedural skirmishes can have sharp teeth. NLJ columnist Stephen Gold ranges across recent decisions with his customary wit
NLJ this week: Stealing virtual gold?
Digital loot may feel like property, but civil law is not always convinced. In NLJ this week, Paul Schwartfeger of 36 Stone and Nadia Latti of CMS examine fraud involving platform-controlled digital assets, from ‘account takeover and asset stripping’ to ‘value laundering’
NLJ this week: Don’t let your LPA gather dust
Lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) are not ‘set and forget’ documents. In this week's NLJ, Ann Stanyer of Wedlake Bell urges practitioners to review LPAs every five years and after major life changes
Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis
back-to-top-scroll