Small Claims Courts

Some Magistrates' Courts were designated Small Claims Courts by his lordship Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah, the Chief Judge in the year 2023.

The objective of the small claims procedure is to provide easy access to an informal, inexpensive and speedy resolution of liquidated money demand in the Magistrates' Courts.

According to ARTICLE 2 of the Small Claims Courts practice directions,
1. An action may be commenced in the Small Claims Court where:

• (a) the claimant or one of the claimants resides or carries on business in Borno State;
• (b) the defendant or one of the defendants resides or carries on business in Borno State;
• (c) the cause of action arose wholly or in part in Borno State;
• (d) the claim is for a liquidated monetary demand in a sum not exceeding ₦1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira), excluding interest and costs.
• (e) the claimant has served on the defendant, a LETTER OF DEMAND or a Demand Notice as in Form SCA 1.

2. The action shall be commenced by Claim upon the completion of a Small Claims Complaint Form as in Form SCA 2.
3. The Summons shall issue as in Form SCA 3 upon the Registrar being satisfied that the requirements of 1 above have been met.
You can download the complete Small Claims Courts Practice Directions 2023 here