A counter-claim connotes a claim for relief asserted against an opposing party after an original claim has been made, that is a defendants claim in opposition to or as a set-off against the plaintiffs claim, see Maobison Inter-Link Ltd. v. U.T.C. (Nig.) Plc. (2013) 9 NWLR (Pt. 1359) 197 at 209, per Ariwoola, JSC. It is settled law, beyond any per adventure of doubt, that a counter-claim is an independent and separate action triable with the main claim for reason of convenience. Like the main claim, it must be proved by the counter-claimant in order to earn the favour of the Court, see Ogbonna v. A.G., Imo State (1992) 1 NWLR (Pt. 220) 647; Nsefik & Ors. V. Muna & Ors. (2013) vol. 12 MJSC (Pt. 1) 116; Anwoyi v. Shodeke (2006) 13 NWLR (Pt. 996) 34; Bilante Intl Ltd v. NDIC (2011) 15 NWLR (Pt. 1270) 407; Kolade v. Ogundokun (2017) 18 NWLR (Pt. 1596) 152.
— O.F. Ogbuinya, JCA. Impact Solutions v. International Breweries (2018) – CA/AK/122/2016