By Dr AbdelGadir Warsama Ghalib, Legal Counsel
28 August 2025
There are many acts, as taken, that could affect the ownership of the subject-matter, goods or other belongings of a real owner. As example, conversion is considered as the wrong act committed where, for instance, (A) converts to his use, or wrongfully deprives (B) of the use and possession of his personal goods \ property. Conversion, herein, amounts to an unjustifiable denial of the title by an act of willful and wrongful interference from another third party. The presence of these ingredients and clear facts will make good grounds for liability even though the action was done or taken by an alien in good faith and without negligence.
But the remedy in conversion is not only given to exact owners as such. The action can also be brought or taken by persons who had, at the time of the conversion, either possession of the goods or a right to possess them, in the later event, whoever claims can be asked to prove his title. It is not sufficient to plead the value of the goods, but must particularize the goods in pleadings and prove the conversion of specific goods, as action for conversion against a thief after plea of guilty in criminal proceedings.
Conversion may be committed in a number of ways. Most common is a wrongful disposition, such as a sale by (A) of (B) goods. There may be a conversion by an abuse of a possession obtained with consent. A taking out of a possession of another will be a conversion, if the goods are taken without lawful justification and with the intention of exercising dominion over them. However, asportation or carrying away of property without any denial of the rights to possession and enjoyment will not amount to more than a trespass.
If (A) who has not been guilty of trespass to goods which has come into his hands detain them without any assertion of title, then presumably the detention can give rise to a cause of action for detinue, a wrongful retention or possession of goods or the wrong arises upon a detention of the chattel after demand, apart from any remedy for breach of contract.
Detention of goods may be a conversion when adverse to the title, and it is generally a refusal to return goods on demand. Apparently, conversion by detention may be proved in other ways than by demand and refusal, where (A) applied to the Court for restitution of goods upon conviction and the application is resisted.
Many may use conversion, disposition or detention of goods or property in good faith or bad faith, against interests of others. However, in all cases of conversion or other similar acts of detention, there are always available legal remedies and steps you should pursue all through by all means, to enjoy peaceful full ownership of what you own. Take positive action, otherwise, you may lose them for good.
The opinions expressed are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views or have the endorsement of the Editorial Board of AfricaNewsAnalysis