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KOGI STATE HIGH COURT (CIVIL PROCEDURE) RULES 2006
CONTENTS
ORDER 1 – CITATION, APPLICATION AND INTERPRETATION
ORDER 2
FORM AND COMMENEMENT OF ACTION
Rule
Originating Summons
ORDER3
PLACE OF INSTITUTING AND TRIAL OF SUITS
Rule
ORDER 4
EFFECT OF NON-COMPLIANCE
Rule
ORDER5
ENDORSEMENT OF CLAIM AND ADDRESS
Rule
ORDER 6
ISSUE OF ORIGINATING PROCESS
Rule
ORDER 7
SERVICE OF ORIGINATING PROCESS
Rule
ORDER 8
SERVICE OUT OF NIGERIA AND SERVICE OF FOREIGN PROCESS
Rule
ORDER 9
SITTINGS OF THE COURT AND VACATION
Rule
ORDER 10
COMPUTATION OF TIME
Rule
ORDER 11
INTERLOCUTORY APPLICATIONS, MOTIONS EX PARTE AND ON NOTICE
Rule
Rule
III. Order to Show Cause.
ORDER 12
INTERLOCUTORY ORDER
ORDER 13
AFFIDAVIT
Rule
ORDER 14
PARTIES
Rule
Rule
III. Alteration of Parties
ORDER 15
LEGAL PRACTITIONER
Rule
ORDER 16
APPEARANCE
Rule
ORDER 17
DEFAULT OF APPEARANCE
Rule
ORDER 18
ARREST OF ABSCONDING DEFENDANT
Rule
ORDER 19
INTERIM ATTACHMENT OF PROPERTY
Rule
ORDER 20
ACCOUNTS AND INQUIRIES
Rule
ORDER 21
ARBITRATION
Rule
III. Enforcement of Arbitration Award
ORDER 22
REFERENCE TO REFEREE
ORDER 23
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
ORDER 24
JOINDER OF CAUSES OF ACTION
Rule
ORDER 25
PROCEEDINGS IN LIEU OF DEMURRER
Rule
ORDER 26
PLEADINGS
Rule
ORDER 27
AMENDMENT
Rule
ORDER 28
DEFAULT OF PLEADINGS
Rule
ORDER 29
INTERPLEADER
Rule
ORDER 30
WITHDRAWAL AND DISCONTINUANCE
Rule
ORDER 31
PAYMENT INTO AND OUT OF COURT
Rule
ORDER 32
PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE AND SCHEDULING
Rule
ORDER 33
SPECIAL CASE
Rule
ORDER 34
DISCOVERY AND INSPECTION OF DOCUMENT
Rule
ORDER 35
TRANSFER AND CONSOLIDATION
Rule
ORDER 36
APPLICATION AND PROCEEDING IN CHAMBERS
Rule
ORDER 37
CAUSE LISTS
Rule
ORDER 38
PROCEEDINGS AT TRIAL
Rule
ORDER 39
PROCEDURE RELATING TO EVIDENCE
Rule
19 Evidence in proceedings subsequent to trial
ORDER 40
FILING OF WRITTEN ADDRESS
Rule
ORDER 41
DISCONTINUANCE AND NON-SUIT
Rule
ORDER 42
JUDGMENT AND ORDER
Rule
ORDER 43
WRIT OF EXECUTION: GENERAL
Rule
ORDER 44
GARNISHEE PROCEEDINGS
Rule
ORDER 45
HABEAS CORPUS PROCEEDINGS
Rule
ORDER 46
COMMITTAL FOR CONTEMPT OF COURT
Rule
ORDER 47
APPLICATION FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW
Rule
ORDER 48
APPEAL FROM DISTRICT COURT, ETC.
Rule
1, Notice of appeal
ORDER 49
STAY OF EXECUTION PENDING APPEAL TO THE COURT OF APPEAL
Rule
ORDER 50
FORECLOSURE AND REDEMPTION
ORDER 51
PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION
Rule
III. Proceeding Generally
ORDER 52
SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS FOR POSSESSION OF LANDED PROPERTY OCCUPIED WITHOUT THE OWNER’S CONSENT
Rule
ORDER 53
PROCEEDINGS IN FORMA PAUPERIS
Rule
ORDER 54
COSTS
Rule
ORDER 55
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Rule
LIST OF FORMS
No.
(Convention Country)
KOGI STATE HIGH COURT (CIVIL PROCEDURE) RULES 2006
Date of commencement: 23rd October, 2006.
In exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 274 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I, UMARU ERI, Chief Judge of the High Court of Justice of Kogi State of Nigeria, hereby make the following Rules:
ORDERS
ORDER 1 – CITATION, APPLICATION AND INTERPRETATION
(2) The Rules may be cited as the Kogi State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2006.
(2) Except where the context otherwise requires, any reference in these Rules to any enactment shall be construed as a reference to that enactment as amended, extended or applied by or under any other enactment.
(2) Application of these Rules, shall be directed towards the achievement of a just, efficient and speedy dispensation of justice.
(2) In these Rules, unless the context otherwise requires;
“Chief Judge” means the Chief Judge of the High Court of Justice of the State;
“claimant” shall include a claimant in a counter-claim;
“court” means the High Court of Justice of Kogi State of Nigeria;
“court process” or “processes” shall include writ of summons, originating summons, notices, petitions, pleadings, orders, motions, summons, warrants and all documents or written communication of which service is required;
“decision” means any decision of a court and includes judgment, ruling, decree, order, conviction, sentence or recommendation;
“defendant” shall include a defendant to a counter-claim;
“Governor” means the Governor of Kogi State;
“guardian” means any person who has for the time being, the charge of or control over a person under legal disability and includes a person appointed to institute or defend an action on behalf of any person under legal disability;
“Law” means the High Court Law, Cap. 49, Laws of Northern Nigeria 1963 or any modification or reenactment thereof;
“minor” means a person who has not attained the age of 18 years;
“originating process” means any court process by which a suit is initiated;
“person under legal disability” means any person who lacks capacity to institute or defend any proceedings by reason of age, unsoundness of mind or otherwise;
“probate action” means an action for the grant of probate of the Will or letters of administration of the estate of a deceased person or for the revocation of such a grant or for a decree pronouncing for or against the validity of an alleged Will, not being an action which is non-contentious or common form probate business;
“Registrar” means the Chief Registrar, Deputy Chief Registrar, Assistant Chief Registrar, Principal Registrar, Senior Registrar, Higher Registrar or any other officer acting or performing the functions of a Registrar and “Registry” means the Registry of the High Court of Kogi State in the appropriate Judicial Division;
“State” means Kogi State of Nigeria; and
“Taxing Officer” means the Chief Registrar or such other officer of the court as the Chief Judge may appoint to tax costs;
ORDER 2 – FORM AND COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION
(a) where a claimant claims:
(i) any relief or remedy for any civil wrong; or
(ii) damages for breach of duty, whether contractual, statutory or otherwise; or
(iii) damages for personal injuries to or wrongful death of any person or in respect of damage or injury to any person or in respect of damage or injury to any property;
(b) where the claim is based on or includes an allegation of fraud; or
(c) where an interested person claims a declaration.
(2) Every writ of summons shall be accompanied by-
(a) statement of claim;
(b) list of witnesses to be called at the trial;
(c) written statement on oath of the witnesses; and
(d) copies of every document to be relied on at the trial.
(3) Where a claimant fails to comply with rules 2(2) his originating process shall not be accepted for filing by the Registry.
(2) An originating summons, shall be accompanied by:
(a) an affidavit setting out the facts relied upon;
(b) all the exhibits to be relied upon; and
(c) a written address in support of the application.
(3) The person filling the originating summons shall leave at the Registry, sufficient number of copies thereof together with the documents referred to in sub-rule (2) for service on the respondent or respondents.
“This summons (or as the case may be), is to be served out of Kogi State of Nigeria and in the ……….State and the Federal Capital Territory”.
(2) An originating process, shall not be altered after it is sealed except upon application to a judge.
ORDER 3 – PLACE OF INSTITUTING AND TRIAL OF SUIT
ORDER 4 – EFFECT OF NON-COMPLIANCE
(2) Where at any stage in the course of or in connection with any proceedings, there has by reason of anything done or left undone been a failure to comply with the requirements as to time, place manner or form, the failure shall be treated as an irregularity and may not nullify such step taken in the proceedings. The Judge may give any direction as he thinks fit to regularize such steps.
(3) The Court shall not wholly set aside any proceedings or the writ or other originating process by which they were begun on the ground that the proceedings were required by any of these Rules to be begun by an originating process other than the one employed.
(2) Any application under sub-rule (1) may be made by summons or motion on notice, and the grounds of objection shall be stated in the summons or notice of motion.
ORDER 5 – ENDORSEMENT OF CLAIM AND ADDRESS
(2) The defendant may notwithstanding payment under this rule, have the costs taxed and if more than one sixth of the costs shall be allowed, the claimant’s Legal Practitioner shall pay the costs of taxation.
(2) Where a claimant sues through a Legal Practitioner, the Legal Practitioner shall state on the originating process his Chambers’ address as the address for service. If the Legal Practitioner is based outside the jurisdiction, he shall state a Chambers’ address within the jurisdiction as his address for service.
ORDER 6 – ISSUE OF ORIGINATING PROCESS
(2) A claimant or his Legal Practitioner shall, on presenting any originating process for sealing, leave with the Registrar as many copies of the process as there are defendants to be served and one copy for endorsement of service on each defendant.
(3) Each copy shall be signed by the Legal Practitioner or by claimant where he sues in person and shall be certified after verification by the Registrar as being a true copy of the original process filed.
(2) If the Registrar is satisfied, that it has proved impossible to serve an originating process on any defendant within its life span and a claimant applies before its expiration for renewal of the process, the Registrar may renew the original or concurrent process for 3 months from the date of such renewal. A renewed originating process shall be in Form 6 with such modifications or variations as circumstances may require.
Provided that no originating process shall be in force for longer than a total of 12 months.
(2) The Registrar shall state the fact, date, and duration of renewal on every renewed originating process.
ORDER 7 – SERVICE OF ORIGINATING PROCESS
(2) When a party is represented by a Legal Practitioner, service of court process of which personal service is not required, may be made on such Legal Practitioner or on a person under his control.
(a) by delivery of the document to an adult inmate at the usual or last known place of abode or business of the person to be served; or
(b) by delivery thereof to a person being an agent of the person to be served, or to other person, on it being proved that there is reasonable probability that the document would in the ordinary course, through that agent or other person, come to the knowledge of the person to be served; or
(c) by advertising in the State Gazette or in a newspaper circulating within the jurisdiction; or
(d) by notice put up at the principal court house of or other place of public resort in, the Judicial Division wherein the proceeding in respect of which the service is made is instituted or at the usual or last known place of abode or of business, of the person to be served.
(2) Every application to the Court for substituted or other service or for the substitution of notice for service, shall be supported by an affidavit setting forth the grounds upon which the application is made.
Provided that personal service on a minor who is over 16 years of age living independently or doing business shall be good and sufficient service.
(2) The Judge may order that personal service on a person under legal disability shall be deemed good and sufficient.
Provided that in the case of a partnership, that has been dissolved to the knowledge of the claimant before the commencement of an action, the originating process shall be served upon every person within the jurisdiction sought to be made liable.
Provided that where a foreign company has complied with the provisions of Chapter 3 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, personal service shall be effected on one of the persons authorized to accept service on behalf of such company.
(2) After service the affidavit shall be prima facie proof of service.
(2) The rate payable for service shall be as directed by the Chief Judge in Practice Directions from time to time.
(2) Except in exceptional circumstances and as may be authorized by the court, service shall not be effected on a Sunday or on a public holiday.
(2) Where any process was not served the cause of failure shall be recorded in the register. Every entry in such register or certified copy thereof shall be prima facie evidence of the matters stated therein.
ORDER 8 – SERVICE OUT OF NIGERIA AND SERVICE OF FOREIGN PROCESS
(a) the whole subject matter of the claim is land situate within jurisdiction; or
(b) any act, deed, will, contract, obligation or liability affecting land or hereditaments situate within jurisdiction, is sought to be construed, rectified, set aside or enforced; or
(c) any relief is sought against any person domiciled or ordinarily resident within jurisdiction; or
(d) the claim is for the administration of the personal estate of any deceased person, who at the time of his death was domiciled within jurisdiction or for the execution (as to property situate within jurisdiction) of the trusts of any written instrument, which ought to be executed according to the law in force in Kogi State; or
(e) the claim is brought against the defendant to enforce, rescind, dissolve, annul or otherwise affect a contract or to recover damages or other relief for or in respect of a contract:
(i) made within jurisdiction; or
(ii) made by or through an agent residing or carrying on business within jurisdiction on behalf of a principal residing or carrying on business out of jurisdiction; and
(iii) which by its terms or by implication is to be governed by the applicable law in Kogi State, or the parties have agreed that the court shall have jurisdiction to entertain any claim in respect of such contract or is brought against the defendant in respect of a breach committed within jurisdiction, of a contract wherever made notwithstanding that such breach was preceded or accompanied by a breach out of jurisdiction which rendered impossible the performance of the contract which ought to have been performed within jurisdiction;
(f) the claim is founded on a tort committed within jurisdiction; or
(g) an injunction is sought as to anything to be done within jurisdiction or any nuisance within jurisdiction is sought to be prevented or removed, whether or not damages are sought in respect thereof; or
(h) any person out of the jurisdiction is a necessary or proper party to an action properly brought against some other person duly served within jurisdiction; or
(i) the claim is by a mortgagee or mortgagor in relation to a mortgage or property situate within jurisdiction and seeks relief of the nature or kind following, that is: sale, foreclosure, delivery of possession by the mortgagor, redemption, re-conveyance, delivery of possession by the mortgagee; but does not seek (unless and except so far as permissible under paragraph (e)) any judgment or order for payment of any monies due under the mortgage; or
(j) the proceedings relate to a person under legal disability; or
(k) the proceedings relate to probate matters; or
(l) where any proceedings under any law or rule of court has been instituted by any originating process.
(a) the process to be served, shall be sealed with the seal of the Court for service out of Nigeria, and shall be transmitted to the Solicitor-General of the Federation by the Registrar together with a copy translated into the language of that country if not English, and with a request for its further transmission to the appropriate authority in that country. The request shall be in Form 7 with such modifications or variations as circumstances may require;
(b) a party wishing to serve a process under this rule, shall file a praecipe in Form 8 with such modifications or variations as circumstances may require;
(c) a certificate, declaration, affidavit or other notification of due service transmitted through diplomatic channels by a court or other appropriate authority of the foreign country, to the Court, shall be deemed good and sufficient proof of service;
(d) where a certificate, declaration, affidavit or other notification transmitted as aforesaid states that efforts to serve a process have failed, the Court may, on an ex parte application, order substituted service whereupon the process and a copy as well as the order for substituted service shall be sealed and transmitted to the Solicitor-General of the Federation together with a request in Form 9 with such modifications or variations as circumstances may require:
Provided that notwithstanding the foregoing provisions a claimant may with leave of the Court serve any originating process by courier.
(2) Nothing herein contained shall in any way affect any power of the Court in cases where land, funds, choses in action, rights or property within the jurisdiction are sought to be dealt with or affected. The Court may, without assuming jurisdiction over any person out of the jurisdiction, cause such person to be informed of the nature or existence of the proceedings with a view to such person having an opportunity of claiming, opposing or otherwise intervening.
(a) the party desiring such service shall file in the Registry a request in Form 10 with such modification or variation as circumstances may require and the request shall state the medium through which it is desired that service shall be effected, either:
(i) directly through diplomatic channels; or
(ii) through the foreign judicial authority;
(b) the request shall be accompanied by the original document and a translation thereof in the language of the country in which service is to be effected certified by or on behalf of the person making the request and a copy of each for every person to be served and any further copies which the Convention may require (unless the service is required to be made on a Nigerian subject directly through diplomatic channels in which case the translation and copies thereof need not accompany the request unless the Convention expressly requires that they should do so);
(c) the documents to be served shall be sealed with the seal of the Court for use out of the jurisdiction and shall be forwarded by the Registrar to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs for onward transmission to the foreign country;
(d) an official certificate, transmitted through the diplomatic channel by the foreign judicial authority or by a Nigerian diplomatic agent to the Court, establishing the fact and the date of the service of the document, shall be deemed to be sufficient proof of service within the requirements of these Rules.
(2) The Court, in granting leave to serve a process out of jurisdiction under this Order, may upon request thereof in appropriate cases direct that courier shall be used by the party effecting service.
(a) the letter of request for service shall be accompanied by a translation in the English Language and by two copies of the process or citation to be served and two copies thereof in English Language;
(b) service of the process or citation shall be effected by a process server unless the judge otherwise directs;
(c) such service shall be effected by delivering to and leaving with the person to be served one copy of the process or citation to be served and one copy of the translation thereof in accordance with the rules and practice of the Court regulating service;
(d) after service has been effected by the process server, he shall file an affidavit of service in which he shall furnish particulars of charges for the cost of effecting the service. The affidavit shall be transmitted to the Registrar with one copy of the process annexed;
(e) the Registrar shall examine and verify the process server’s particulars of charges and may approve it or approve some lesser figure, whereupon the Chief Judge shall forward to the Attorney- General a letter of request for service, the approved amount for service, evidence of service and a certificate appended to it.
(a) the process server shall deliver the original or a copy thereof, along with a copy of its translation to the party to be served;
(b) the process server shall submit the particulars of the costs and expenses of service to the Registrar who shall certify the amount payable in respect of the service;
(c) the Registrar shall transmit to the appropriate foreign authority a certificate establishing the fact and date of service or indicating reasons for failure to serve and also notify the authority as to the amount certified under paragraph (b).
ORDER 9 – SITTINGS OF THE COURT AND VACATION
(a) on any public holiday;
(b) during the week beginning with Easter Monday;
(c) during the period beginning on Christmas Eve and ending on 2nd January next following.
(2) There shall be an annual vacation of the Court to commence on such date in August and of such duration, not exceeding six weeks, as the Chief Judge may by notification in the Gazette appoint.
(2) An application for an urgent hearing shall be made by motion ex-parte and the decision of the judge on the application shall be final.
ORDER 10 – COMPUTATION OF TIME
(a) as excluding the day on which the order is made or on which the event occurs;
(b) the act or proceedings shall be done or taken at least on the last day of the limited time;
(c) where the last day of the period is a holiday the time shall continue until the end of the next day following which is not a public holiday;
(d) where the time limited is less than 5 days, no public holiday, Saturday or Sunday shall be reckoned as part of the time;
(e) when the time expires on a public holiday, Saturday or Sunday the act or proceeding shall be considered as done or taken in due time if it is done or taken on the next day afterwards not being a public holiday, Saturday or Sunday.
Provided that any party who defaults in performing an act within the time authorized by the Court or under these Rules, shall pay to the Court an additional fee of N100.00 for each day of such default at the time of filing his application for extension of time.
ORDER 11 – INTERLOCUTORY APPLICATION, MOTION EX PARTE AND ON NOTICE
(2) Every such application, shall be accompanied by a written address in support of the relief sought.
(3) Where the other party intends to oppose the application, he shall within 7 days of the service on him of such application, file his written address and may accompany it with a counter affidavit.
(4) The applicant may on being served with the written address of the opposing party file and serve an address in reply on points of law within 7 days of being served.
(2) Every motion ex parte shall in addition to the requirements of rule 2, sub-rules (1) and (2) state sufficient grounds why delay in granting the order sought would entail irreparable damage or serious mischief to the party moving.
(2) The Court may upon application extend the effective period of an order made ex parte if it is satisfied that such extension is necessary in the interest of justice or to prevent an irreparable or serious mischief. The application for such an extension, shall be made before abatement of the order and the extension, shall not be for a period exceeding 7 days from the day the extension is granted.
III. ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE
ORDER 12 – INTERLOCUTORY ORDER, ETC
(2) An application for an order under sub-rule (1) may be made by the claimant at any time after his right thereto appears from the pleadings or if there be no pleadings, is made to appear by affidavit or otherwise to the satisfaction of the Court.
(2) Where an order for the inspection of any property or thing is made on an application under subrule (1) (including an application made before any pleadings have been delivered in the action or matter) and it appears that inspection was requested in writing by the applicant and was not given, then, unless the Judge is satisfied that the respondent did not unreasonably fail or refuse to permit the inspection, he may order the costs to be paid by the respondent.
(2) The money kept in the bank shall be withdrawn by the Registrar and paid to the person entitled to it by the judgment of the Court.
ORDER 13 – AFFIDAVIT
ORDER 14 – PARTIES
(2) The Court upon considering the defence filed by any defendant may on application by that defendant make such order as may appear just to prevent him from being embarrassed or put to expense by being required to attend any proceedings in which he may have no interest.
(2) Where there are numerous persons having the same interest in one suit they seek to defend the action, the Court may allow one or more of such person to defend the action on behalf or for the benefit of all persons so interested.
(a) the administration of an estate; or
(b) property subject to a trust; or
(c) land held under customary law as family or community property; or
(d) the construction of any written instrument, including a statute;
the Court is satisfied that:
(i) the person, the class or some members of the class interested cannot be ascertained or cannot readily be ascertained;
(ii) the person, the class or some members of the class interested if ascertained cannot be found;
(iii) though the person or the class and the members thereof can be ascertained and found, it is expedient for the purpose of efficient procedure that one or more persons be appointed to represent that person or class or member of the class, the court may make the appointment. The decision of the Court in the proceedings shall be binding on the person or class of persons so represented.
(2) Notice of appointment made by the Court under this rule and all processes filed in Court shall be served on every person so appointed.
(3) If in any proceedings mentioned in sub-rule (1), several persons having the same interest in relation to the matter to be determined attend the hearing by separate Legal Practitioners, then, unless the Judge considers that the circumstances justify separate representation, not more than one set of costs of the hearing shall be allowed to these persons, and the judgment or order shall be framed accordingly.
(4) In this rule, the word “class” includes the persons recognized by Customary Law as members of a family or as members of a land owning community.
(a) there are some other persons, having the same interest before the Court who assent to the compromise or on whose behalf the Court sanctions the compromise; or
(b) the absent persons are represented by a person under rule 13 who so assents, the Court if satisfied that the compromise will be for the benefit of the absent persons and that it is expedient to exercise this power, may approve the compromise and order that such compromise shall be binding on the absent persons and they shall be bound accordingly, except where the order has been obtained by fraud or non-disclosure of material facts.
(2) Where a sole or sole surviving claimant or defendant in a proceedings dies and the cause of action survives but the person entitled to proceed fails to proceed, the Court may on the application of either the deceased’s legal practitioner or the opposing party order any person to take the place of the said deceased and proceed with the suit.
(3) In default of such application or where the person substituted fails to proceed, judgment may be entered for the defendant or as the case may be, for the person against whom the proceedings might have been continued.
(2) A Judge may at any stage of the proceedings, either upon or without the application of either party and on such terms as may appear to the Judge to be just, order that the name of any parties improperly joined be struck out.
(3) A Judge may order that the names of any party who ought to have been joined or whose presence before the Court is necessary to effectually and completely adjudicate upon and settle the questions involved in the proceedings be added.
(4) No person under legal disability shall be added as a claimant suing without a guardian and no person shall be added as the guardian of a claimant under legal disability without his own consent in writing.
(5) Every party whose name is added as defendant shall be served with the originating processes or notice in the manner prescribed in these Rules or in such manner as may be prescribed by the Court and the proceedings against such person shall be deemed to have begun on the service of such originating processes or notice.
(2) Where the application is to add a claimant or a defendant, the application shall be accompanied by the statement of claim or defence as the case may be, copies of every document intended to be used and the depositions of all the witnesses:
Provided that where the application is to substitute a deceased party with another person, the application may not be accompanied by the documents specified above.
(2) The order and existing processes shall be served on the Third Party within the time prescribed for delivering the defence.
(2) Where the claimants or their Legal Practitioners fail to comply with such demand, all proceedings in the action may, upon an application for that purpose, be stayed upon such terms as the Court may direct.
(3) Where the names of the partners are so declared, the suit shall proceed in the same manner and the same consequences in all respect shall follow as if they had been named as claimants in the originating process; and the proceedings may continue in the name of the firm.
(2) Where an originating process is served upon a person having the control or management of the partnership business, no appearance by him shall be necessary unless he is a member of the firm sued.
III. Alteration of Parties
(2) An order obtained under this rule, shall be served upon the continuing party or parties or their Legal Practitioners and also upon such new party, unless the person making the application is the new party.
(3) Every person served, who is not already n party to the proceedings, shall where applicable enter an appearance thereto within the same time and in the same manner as if he had been served with the originating process. He shall thereupon be served with the originating and all existing processes.
(4) Any party served under this rule, who was not already a party to the proceedings, shall file his pleadings and other documents as if he had been an original party in the proceedings.
ORDER 15 – LEGAL PRACTITIONER
ORDER 16 – APPEARANCE
(2) On receipt of the memorandum of appearance, the Registrar shall make entry thereof and stamp the copy with the seal showing the date he received it and deliver the sealed copy to the claimant.
(2) Where a defendant appears by a Legal Practitioner, the Legal Practitioner shall state in the memorandum of Appearance his place of business and an address for service which shall be within Kogi State and where any such Legal Practitioner is only the agent of another Legal Practitioner, he shall also insert the name and place of business of the principal Legal Practitioner.
ORDER 17 – DEFAULT OF APPEARANCE
Provided that such applications shall be filed and served in the manner in which service of the originating process was effected or in such manner as the Court shall direct.
ORDER 18 – ARREST OF ABSCONDING DEFENDANT
(2) The defendant shall be brought to court within 2 days of the execution of the warrant.
(2) Where a defendant offers security other than money in lieu of bail bond for his appearance sufficient to answer the claim against him, the judge may accept such security and make such order as he may deem fit in ‘he circumstance.
(2) Committal to custody under this rule shall not exceed period of 6 months.
(3) The judge may at any time upon reasonable cause being shown and upon such terms as to security or otherwise as may seem just, release the defendant.
(4) An applicant shall deposit with the Court a sufficient amount of money to compensate the defendant where it is discovered that the arrest was frivolous, vexatious and without any good course.
ORDER 19 – INTERIM ATTACHMENT OF PROPERTY
(a) the defendant in any suit with intent to obstruct or delay the execution of any decree that may be passed against him, is about to dispose of his property or any part thereof or to remove any such property from the jurisdiction; or
(b) in any suit founded on contract or for detinue or trover in which the cause of action arises within the jurisdiction:
(i) the defendant is absent from jurisdiction or there is probable cause to believe that he is concealing himself to evade service; and
(ii) the defendant is beneficially entitled to any property in the State in the custody or under the control of any other person in the state or such person is indebted to the defendant, then in either such case the claimant may apply to the Court cither at the time of the institution of the suit or at any time ii creator until final judgment to call upon the defendant to furnish sufficient security to fulfill any decree that may be made against him in the suit and on his failing to give such security or pending the giving of such security, to direct that any property movable or immovable belonging to the defendant shall be attached until the further order of the Court.
(2) Pending the defendant’s compliance with such order, the Court may by warrant as in Form 17 direct the attachment until further order of the whole or any portion of the property specified in the application.
ORDER 20 – ACCOUNTS AND INQUIRIES
(2) An application under this rule shall be made by summons and supported by affidavit or other evidence.
(3) On the hearing of the application, the Court may, unless satisfied by the defendant by affidavit or otherwise that there is some preliminary question to be tried, order that an account be taken as in Form 18 and may also order that any amount certified on taking the account to be due to either party be paid to him within a time specified in the order.
(2) Every direction for the taking of an account or the making of inquiry, shall be numbered in the judgment or order so that, as far as may be, each distinct account and inquiry may be designated by a number.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of sub-rule (1), the Court may direct, that in taking the account the relevant books of account shall be evidence of the matters contained therein with liberty to the parties interested to take such objections thereto as they think fit.
(2) The items on each side of the account shall be numbered consecutively.
(3) Unless the order for the taking of the account otherwise directs, the accounting party shall lodge the account with the Court and shall at the same time notify the other parties that he has done so and of the filing of any affidavit verifying the account and of any supporting affidavit.
(2) The Court, may direct any party or Legal Practitioner to take over the conduct of proceedings in question and to carry out any directions made by an order under this rule and may make such order as it thinks fit as to the payment of the Legal Practitioner’s costs.
ORDER 21 – ARBITRATION
(2) In any case in which an umpire is appointed, it shall be lawful for him to enter on the reference in lieu of the arbitrators, if they shall have allowed their time or their extended time, to expire without making an award or have delivered to the Court or to the umpire, a notice in writing stating that they cannot agree.
(3) An award shall not be liable to be set aside only by reason of its not having been completed within the period allowed by the Court, unless on proof that the delay in completing the award arose from misconduct of the arbitrators or umpire or unless the award shall have been made after the issue of an order by the Court superseding the arbitration and recalling the suit.
(2) Where the arbitrators are empowered by the terms of the order or reference to appoint an umpire and do not appoint an umpire, any of the parties may serve the arbitrators with a written notice to appoint an umpire; and if within 7 days after the notice is served, no umpire is appointed, the Court shall, upon the application of the party having served such notice as aforesaid and upon proof to its satisfaction of such notice having been served, appoint an umpire.
(3) In any case of appointment under this rule, the arbitrators or umpire so appointed, shall have the like power to act in the reference as if their names had been inserted in the original order of reference.
(a) if the award has left undetermined some of the matters referred to arbitration;
(b) if it has determined matters not referred to arbitration;
(c) if the award is so indefinite as to be incapable of execution; or
(d) if an objection to the legality of the award is apparent upon the face of the award.
(2) Any application to set aside an award, shall be made within 15 days after the publication thereof.
(a) to revoke an arbitration agreement under section 2 thereof;
(b) to appoint an arbitrator under section 7(3) thereof;
(c) to stay proceedings under section 5 thereof;
(d) to remove an arbitrator or umpire under section 30 thereof;
(e) to direct an arbitrator or umpire to state the reasons for an award under section 26 thereof:
(f) to ask that a case on trial which is the subject of an arbitration agreement be referred to an arbitration under section 4 thereof;
(g) to set aside an award under section 29 thereof;
(h) for declaration that an award is not binding on a party to the award on the ground that it was made without jurisdiction or because the arbitrator misconducted himself or that the proceedings were arbitrary or that the award has been improperly procured under section 30 thereof;
(i) generally to determine any question of law arising in the course of or concerning any arbitration agreement or proceedings referred to the Court;
(j) to subpoena witness to attend under section 23 thereof, shall be made by originating motion.
III. Enforcement of Arbitration Award.
(2) The supporting affidavit shall:
(a) exhibit the arbitration agreement and the original award or in either case certified copies of each:
(b) state the name and usual or last known place of abode or business of the applicant and the person against whom it is sought to enforce the award;
(c) state as the case may require either that the award has not been complied with or the extent to which it has not been complied with at the date of the application.
(3) An application may be brought under this rule for leave of Court to enforce a decision reached at the Multi-Door Court House in the same manner as a judgment or Order of Court.
ORDER 22 – REFERENCE TO REFEREE
(2) On the receipt of a referee’s report, the Court may:
(a) adopt the report in whole or in part;
(b) vary the report;
(c) require an explanation from the referee;
(d) remit the whole or any part of the question or issue originally referred to him for further consideration by him or any other referee; or
(e) decide the question or issue originally referred to him on the evidence taken before him, either with or without additional evidence.
(3) When the report of the referee has been made, an application to vary the report or remit the whole or any part of the question or issue originally referred, may be made on the hearing by the Court or the further notice thereof and any other application with respect to the report may be made on that hearing without notice.
(4) Where on a reference tinder this order, the Court or judge in chambers orders that the further consideration of the cause or matter in question shall not stand adjourned until the receipt of the referee’s report, the order may contain directions, with respect to the proceeding’s on the receipt of the report and the foregoing provisions of the rule shall have effect subject to any such directions.
ORDER 23 – SUMMARY JUDGMENT
(2) Where it appears to the Court that the defendant has no good defence, the Judge may thereupon enter judgment for the claimant.
(3) Where it appears to the Court, that the defendant has a good defence to part of the claim but no defence to other parts of the claim, the Court may thereupon enter judgment for that part of the claim to which there is no defence and grant leave to defend that part to which there is defence.
ORDER 24 – JOINDER OF CAUSE OF ACTION
(a) If the claimant claims and the defendant is alleged to be liable in the same capacity in respect of all the causes of action; or
(b) if the claimant claims or the defendant is alleged to be liable in the capacity of executor or administrator of an estate in respect of one or more of the causes of action and in his personal capacity but with reference to the same estate in respect of the other or others; or
(c) with leave of Court.
(2) An application for leave under this rule shall be made exparte by motion before the originating process is issued and the affidavit in support of the motion shall state the grounds of the application.
(2) Rule 1 shall apply in relation to a counter-claim as if the counter-claim were a separate action and as if the person making the counter-claim were claimant and the person against whom it is made a defendant.
(3) A counter-claim may be proceeded with notwithstanding that judgment is given for the claimant in his action or that the action is stayed, discontinued or dismissed.
(2) If it appears on the application of any party against whom a counter-claim is made, that the subject-matter of the counter-claim ought for any reason to be disposed of by separate action, the Court may order it to be tried separately or make such order as may be expedient.
ORDER 25 – PROCEEDINGS IN LIEU OF DEMURRER
ORDER 26 – PLEADINGS
(2) A defendant shall, not later than 30 days after service on him of the claimant’s originating process and accompanying documents, file his statement of defence, set off or counter-claim, if any, together with a written statement on oath of each witness to be called and a copy of every document to be relied on at the trial.
(3) A claimant shall within 14 days of service of the statement of defence and counter-claim if any, file his reply, if any, to such defence or counter-claim:
Provided that where a defendant sets up a counter-claim, if a claimant or any other person named as a party to such counter-claim contends that the claim thereby raised ought not to be disposed of by way of counter-claim, but in an independent proceeding, the Court may at any time order that such counterclaim
be excluded.
(4) Where a claimant files both a reply and a defence to counter-claim, he shall include them in the same document.
(2) Pleadings shall be signed by a Legal Practitioner or by a party, if he sues or defends in person.
(2) In an action for defamation, if the claimant alleges that the words or matter complained of were used in a defamatory sense other than their ordinary meaning, he shall give particulars of the facts and matters on which he relies in support of his allegation.
(2) Any condition precedent, the performance or occurrence of which is intended to be contested, shall be specified in the pleadings of the parties; and, subject thereto, an averment of the performance or occurrence of all conditions precedent necessary for the case of the parties shall be implied in his pleading.
(3) Without prejudice to sub rule (1), a defendant in an action for the recovery of land shall plead specifically every ground of defence on which he relies.
(2) Before applying for particulars by summons or notice, a party may apply for them by letter and the costs of the letter and of any particulars delivered pursuant thereto shall be allow able on taxation.
(3) In dealing with the costs of any application for particulars by summons or notice, the provisions of this rule shall be taken into consideration by the Court or Judge in Chambers.
(4) Particulars of a claim shall not be ordered under this rule before filing of defence.
(2) Except the Court otherwise orders, an order for particulars shall not operate as a stay of proceedings or give an extension of time.
(2) A general denial in any pleadings shall not operate as denial of any specific fact in the pleadings of the opposing party.
(2) When a matter of fact is alleged with diverse circumstances, it shall not be sufficient to deny it as alleged along with those circumstances, but a full and substantial answer shall be given.
(2) The defence shall admit such material allegations in the statement of claim as the defendant knows to be true, or desires to be taken as established without proof thereof.
(3) Where admissions of fact are made by a party, either by his pleadings or otherwise, any other party may apply to the Court for such judgment or order as upon those admissions he may be entitled to without waiting for the determination of any other question between the parties, and the Court may give such judgment, or make such order, as it thinks just.
(4) An application under sub-rule (3) shall be by motion on notice.
(2) Where in an action for libel or slander, the defendant pleads, that any of the words or matters complained of, are fair comment on a matter of public interest or were published upon a privileged occasion, the claimant shall, if he intends to allege that the defendant was actuated by express malice, deliver a reply giving particulars of the facts and matters from which that malice is to be inferred.
(3) Where in an action for libel or slander the defendant alleges that, in so far as the words complained of consist of statements of facts, they are true in substance and in fact, and in so far as they consist of expressions of opinion, they are fair comment on a matter of public interest, or pleads to the like effect, he shall give particulars stating which of the words complained of he alleges are statements of fact and of the facts and matters he relies on in support of the allegation that the words are true.
(2) If as in sub-rule (1), the person so pleading desires to rely in the alternative upon more contracts or relations than one as to be implied from those circumstances, he may state them in the alternative.
(2) In a probate action, the party opposing a Will may, with his defence, give notice to the party setting up the Will, that he merely insists upon the Will being proved in solemn form of law and only intends to cross-examine the witnesses produced in support of the Will; and he shall thereupon be at liberty to do so and shall not in any event be liable to pay the costs of the other side unless the Judge is of opinion that there was no reasonable ground for opposing the Will.
(2) Sub-rule (1) shall apply mutatis mutandis where the balance is in favour of the claimant.
29 (1) The pleadings in an action are deemed to be closed:
(a) at the expiration of 7 days after service of the reply or if there is no reply but only a defence to counter-claim, after service of the defence to counter-claim; or
(b) if neither a reply nor a defence to counter-claim is served, at the expiration of 7 days after service of the defence.
(2) The pleadings in an action are deemed to be closed at the time provided by sub-rule (1), notwithstanding, that any request or order for particulars has been made, but has not been complied with at that time.
ORDER 27 – AMENDMENT
“Amended ………………….. day of ……………… pursuant to order of (name of Judge) dated the…………………………day of……………………”
ORDER 28 – DEFAULT OF PLEADINGS
(a) judgment against the defendant for the delivery of the goods; or
(b) judgment for the value of the goods to be assessed by the Court and costs, and in either case, he may proceed with the action against the other defendants, if any.
(2) Where there are more than one defendant, judgment entered under sub-rule (1) shall not be enforced against any defendant unless and until judgment for the possession of the land has been entered against all the defendants.
(a) if his claim against the defendant in default is severable from his claim against the other defendants, apply for judgment against that defendant and proceed with the action against the other defendants; or
(b) set down the action on motion for judgment against the defendant in default at the time when the action is set down for trial or is set down on motion for judgment against the other defendant.
(2) An application under sub-rule (1) shall be by motion on notice.
ORDER 29 – INTERPLEADER
Provided that where the applicant is a Sheriff or other officer charged with the execution of process by or under the authority of the Court, the provisions of Section 34 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act and the rules made under it shall apply.
(a) claims no interest in the subject matter in dispute other than for charges or costs;
(b) does not collude with any of the claimants; and
(e) is willing to pay or transfer the subject-matter into Court or to dispose of it as the Judge may direct.
ORDER 30 – WITHDRAWAL AND DISCONTINUANCE
(2) A defendant may:
(a) withdraw his defence or any part of it at any time;
(b) discontinue a counter-claim as against any or all of the parties against whom it is made, at any time not later than 14 days after service on him of a defence to the counter-claim or if the counter-claim is made against two or more parties, of the defence to the counter-claim last served by serving a notice to that effect on the claimant or other party concerned.
(2) An application for the grant of leave under sub-rule (1), shall be by motion on notice.
ORDER 31 – PAYMENT INTO AND OUT OF COURT
(2) Where a teller for payment is filed with the Registrar, he shall forthwith give notice of the payment to the claimant who may apply to the Court for an order to withdraw- the amount so paid.
(3) Where a defence of tender before action is set up, the sum of money alleged to have been tendered shall be brought into Court.
(4) The defendant may without leave give a written notice to the Registrar of an intention to increase the amount of any sum paid into Court.
(5) Where the money is paid into Court in satisfaction of one or more of several causes of action, the notice shall specify the cause or causes of action in respect of which payment is made and the sum paid in respect of each such cause of action.
(6) The notice shall be in Form 20 with such modifications or variations as circumstances may require. The receipt of the notice shall forthwith be acknowledged in writing by the claimant within 3 days. The notice may be modified or withdrawn or delivered in an amended form by leave of Court.
(7) Where money is paid into Court with denial of liability, the claimant may proceed with the action in respect of the claim and if he succeeds, the amount paid shall be applied so far as is necessary in satisfaction of the claim and the balance, if any, shall on the order of the Court be repaid to the defendant. Where the defendant succeeds in respect of such claim, the whole amount paid into Court shall be repaid to him on the order of Court.
(2) Payment shall be made to the claimant or Legal Practitioner representing him, in the cause and thereupon, proceedings in the action or in respect of the specified cause or causes of action (as the case may be) shall abate.
(3) If the claimant accepts money paid into Court in satisfaction of his claim or if he accepts a sum or sums paid in respect of one or more specified cause of action and gives notice that he abandons the other causes of action, he may after 4 clays from payment out and unless the Court otherwise orders, tax his costs incurred to the time of payment into Court, and 48 hours after taxation may sign judgment for his taxed costs.
(4) Where in an action for defamation, the claimant accepts money paid into Court, the Court may allow the parties or either of them to make a statement in open court in terms approved by the Court.
(2) If the claimant elects within 14 days after receipt of notice of payment into Court, to accept the sum or sums paid into Court, he shall give notice as in Form 22 with such modifications or variations as circumstances may require to each defendant and thereupon, all further proceedings in the action or in respect of the specified cause or causes of action (as the case may be) shall abate.
(3) The money shall not be paid out except in pursuance of an order of the Court dealing with the whole cause or causes of action.
(4) In an action for defamation against several defendants sued jointly, if any defendant pays money into Court, the claimant may within 14 days elect to accept the sum paid into Court in satisfaction of his claim against the defendant making the payment and shall give notice to all the defendants as in Form 21 with such modifications or variations as circumstances may require. The claimant may tax his costs against the defendant who has made such payment in accordance with rule 2(3) and the action shall thereupon abate as against that defendant.
(5) The claimant may continue with the action against any other defendant but the sum paid into Court shall be set off against any damages awarded to the claimant against the defendant or defendants against whom the action is continued.
(2) No money (which expression for the purpose of this rule include damages) in any way recovered or adjudged or ordered or awarded or agreed to be paid in any such proceedings in respect of the claims of any such person under legal disability whether by judgment, settlement, compromise, payment into Court or otherwise, before, at or after the trial, shall be paid to the claimant or to the guardian of the claimant or to the claimant’s Legal Practitioner unless the Court shall so direct.
(3) All money so recovered or adjudged or ordered or awarded or agreed to be paid, shall be dealt with as the Court shall direct. The directions thus given may include any general or special directions that the Court may deem fit to give, including directions on how the money is to be applied or dealt with and as to any payment to be made either directly or out of money paid into Court to the claimant or to the guardian in respect of moneys paid or expenses incurred or for maintenance or otherwise for or on behalf of or for the benefit of the person under legal disability or otherwise or to the claimant’s Legal Practitioner in respect of costs or of the difference between party and party and Legal Practitioner and client costs.
ORDER 32 – PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE AND SCHEDULING
(2) If the parties differ on the issues the pre-trial judge may settle the issues.
(2) Upon application by a claimant under sub-rule (1), the Court shall cause to be issued to the parties and their Legal Practitioners (if any), a Pre-Trial Conference Notice as in Form 23 accompanied by Pre-Trial Information Sheet as in Form 24 for the purposes set out hereunder:
(a) disposal of non-contentious matters which must or can be dealt with on interlocutory application;
(b) giving such directions as to the future course of the action as appear best adapted to secure its just and expeditious disposal;
(c) promoting amicable settlement of the case or adoption of alternative dispute resolution.
(3) If the claimant does not make the application in accordance with sub-rule (1), the defendant or defendants may do so or apply for an order to dismiss the action.
(a) joining other parties;
(b) amending pleadings or any other processes;
(c) filing motions;
(d) further pre-trial conference;
(e) any other matters appropriate in the circumstances of the case.
(a) formulation and settlement of issue;
(b) amendment, and further and better particulars;
(c) the admission of facts and other evidence by consent of the parties;
(d) control and scheduling of discovery, inspection and production of documents;
(e) narrowing the field of dispute between expert witnesses by their participation at pre-trial conference or in any other manner;
(f) eliciting preliminary objections on points of law;
(g) hearing and determination of non-contentious motions;
(h) giving orders or direction for separate trial of a claim, counter-claim, set-off or third party claim or of any particular issue in the case;
(i) settlement of issues, inquiries and accounts;
(j) securing statement of special case of law or facts under Order 34;
(k) determining the form and substance of the pre-trial order; and (1) such other matters as may facilitate the just and speedy disposal of the action.
(a) in the case of claimant strike out the claim; or
(b) in the case of a defendant enter final judgment against him.
(2) A Judgment given under sub-rule (1) may be set aside upon an application made within 7 days of the judgment or such other period as the Pre-trial court may allow not exceeding the pre-trial conference period. The application shall be accompanied by an undertaking to participate effectively in the pre-trial conference.
ORDER 33 – SPECIAL CASE
(2) The judgment of the Court may be entered for the sum so agreed or ascertained, with or without costs, as the case may be and execution may issue upon such judgment forthwith, unless otherwise agreed or unless stayed on appeal.
ORDER 34 – DISCOVERY AND INSPECTION OF DOCUMENT
(2) Every affidavit in answer to a request for discovery of documents, shall be accompanied by office copies of documents referred to therein.
(3) The affidavit to be made by any person in answer to a request for discovery of documents, shall specify which, if any, of the listed documents he objects to producing, stating the grounds of his objection and it shall be in Form 27 with such modifications or variations as circumstances may require.
(2) Where a process filed, is not accompanied by a document referred to therein, the Court may on application strike out the process.
(2) Notwithstanding that a copy has been supplied the Court may order inspection of the book from which the copy was made.
(3) The Court may upon application whether or not an affidavit of document has been ordered or filed, make an order requiring any party to state by affidavit, whether any particular document or any class of documents is or has at any time been in his possession, custody, power or control, when he parted with the same and what has become of it.
Provided that the Court may look at the whole of the answers and order that any of them may be put in.
ORDER 35 – TRANSFER AND CONSOLIDATION
(2) The notification shall be effected by serving a notice personally on the party concerned or where an address for service has been given by such party, at that address.
(2) The Registrar shall then give notice to the parties to attend in person or by their Legal Practitioner before the Court on the day and at the time specified in the notice. The fees for the service of this notice shall be borne in the first instance by the party who has paid the fees for filing as provided by rule 5.
(2) If the defendant fails or all of several defendants fail to attend in compliance with a notice given under sub-rule (2) of rule 6, the claimant may have judgment entered for him with costs or obtain the order prayed for in the transferred proceedings.
(2) Where actions are pending before different Judges, a party desiring consolidation shall first apply to the Chief Judge for transfer of the matter to a Judge before whom one or more of the matters is pending.
(3) An order to consolidate may be made where two or more actions are pending between the same claimant and the same defendant or between the same claimant and different defendants or between different claimants and the defendant or between different claimants and different defendants:
Provided that where the same claimant brings actions against different defendants, they will not be consolidated without the consent of all parties unless the issue to be tried are identical.
(4) Where an order for consolidation has been made, it shall be drawn up at the expense of the parties who applied for consolidation and shall be recorded in
ORDER 36 – APPLICATION AND PROCEEDINGS IN CHAMBERS
(a) application to serve a writ or other process out of the jurisdiction;
(b) application for substituted service of a writ or other process;
(c) applications to have a case heard during vacation;
(d) application for enlargement of time;
(e) application for a writ of attachment or for a garnishee order;
(f) applications for payment or transfer to any person of any cash or securities standing to his credit in any cause or matter where there has been a judgment or order declaring the rights or where the title depends only upon proof of the identity of the birth, marriage or death of any person;
(g) applications as to the guardianship and maintenance or advancement of infants;
(h) any matter relating to the adoption of children;
(i) applications connected with the management of property; and
(j) such other matters of an interlocutory nature as the Judge may think fit to dispose off in Chambers.
ORDER 37 – CAUSE LISTS
(2) The Registrar shall also keep a Weekly Cause List of all other actions which are ready for trial or hearing.
(2) Nothing in this rule shall preclude the Judge, from making special arrangements, whenever necessary or convenient, for the disposal of causes and matters whether or not included in the list.
ORDER 38 – PROCEEDINGS AT TRIAL
(2) Any judgment obtained where any party does not appear at the trial, may be set aside by the Judge upon such terms as he may deem fit.
(2) An application for leave under sub-rule (1) shall be accompanied by the deposition on oath of such witness.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-rule (1), the Judge may suo-motu, where he considers that a party fails to conclude his case within a reasonable time, close the case for the party.
(2) The Registrar shall cause a list of all the exhibits in the action to be made.
(3) The list of exhibits when completed, shall form part of the record of the action.
(4) For the purpose of this rule, a bundle of documents may be treated and counted as one exhibit.
(5) In this rule, a witness by whom an exhibit is proved, includes a witness in the course of whose evidence the exhibit is put in.
(2) Where more exhibits than one are rejected in the same action, they shall be numbered serially.
(3) If the case goes on appeal, a list of such exhibits shall be transmitted to the appeal court.
(2) Where the other party calls evidence, he shall within 21 days after the close of evidence file a written address.
(3) Upon being served with the other party’s written address, the party beginning shall within 21 days file his own written address.
(a) that the exhibit will be kept duly marked and labeled and will be produced, if required, at the hearing of an appeal (if any such appeal is lodged); or
(b) that the release of the exhibit will not in any way prejudice the other party.
(2) After a notice of appeal has been filed, an exhibit produced at the trial, shall not be released by the High Court unless leave to release such exhibit is granted by the appeal court.
(2) Where there is an appeal, an office copy of the list of exhibits shall be included amongst the documents supplied for the purpose of the appeal.
(a) in writing; or
(b) by electronic recording or device, the purport of all oral evidence given before the court and minutes of the proceedings and shall sign or authenticate the same at any adjournment of the case and at the conclusion thereof.
(2) No person shall be entitled, as of right to inspection of or to a copy of the records so kept as aforesaid save as may be expressly provided for by the rules of court.
(3) The record so kept as aforesaid or a copy purporting to be signed and certified as a true copy by the Registrar shall at all limes, without further proof, be admitted as evidence of such proceedings and of the statements made by the witness.
ORDER 39 – PROCEDURE RELATING TO EVIDENCE
(2) The oral examination of a witness during his evidence-in-chief shall be limited to confirming his written deposition and tendering in evidence all documents or other exhibits referred to in the deposition.
(3) All agreed documents or other exhibits shall be tendered from the bar or by the party where he is not represented by a Legal Practitioner.
(2) The power conferred by sub-rule (1) extends in particular to ordering or directing that evidence of any particular fact be given at the trial:
(a) by statement on oath of information or belief:
(b) by the production of documents or entries in books:
(c) by copies of documents or entries in books; or
(d) in the case of a fact which is or was a matter of common knowledge either generally or in a particular district, by the production of a specified newspaper which contains a statement of that fact.
(a) the party obtaining such order shall file in the Registry an undertaking in Form 28, which Form may be varied as may be necessary to meet the circumstances of the particular case in which it is used;
(b) such undertaking shall be accompanied by:
(i) a request in Form 29, with such modifications or variations as may be directed in the order for its issue, together with a translation in the language of the country in which it is to be executed (if not English);
(ii) a copy of the interrogatories (if any) to accompany the requests, with a translation if necessary;
(iii) a copy of the cross-interrogatories (if any) with a translation if necessary.
Provided that no person shall be compelled to produce under any such order any writing or other document which he could not be compelled to produce at the hearing or trial.
ORDER 40 – FILING OF WRITTEN ADDRESS
(a) the claim or application on which the address is based;
(b) a brief statement of the facts with reference to the exhibit attached to the application or tendered at the trial;
(c) the issue arising from the evidence;
(d) a succinct statement of argument on each issue incorporating the purport of the authorities referred to together with full citation of each such authority.
(2) Except with the leave of the Court, no oral argument shall be heard on behalf of any party for whom no written address has been filed or in respect of a point not covered by the written address.
(3) When a case is called and the parties have been duly served with the notice of hearing, but if any party or any Legal Practitioner appearing for him does not appear to present oral argument even though written address has been filed by him, he shall not be heard in oral argument, save with the leave of the Court.
ORDER 41 – DISCONTINUANCE AND NON SUIT
(2) If in any other case the claimant desires to discontinue a suit or to withdraw any part of his claim or if the defendant desires to discontinue his counter claim or to withdraw any part thereof, such discontinuance or withdrawal may be allowed on such terms as to costs and as to any subsequent suit and otherwise as the Court may seem just.
ORDER 42 – JUDGMENT AND ORDER
(2) A formal decree or order may be drawn up on the application of either party.
(2) The judgment of the Court, with respect to any sum awarded to the defendant, shall have the same effect and be subject to the same rules, as if that sum has been claimed by the defendant in a separate suit against the claimant.
(2) The order may be made at the time of giving judgment or at any time afterwards and may be rescinded upon sufficient cause at any time.
“If you, the within-named A. B., neglects to obey this judgment (or order) by the time therein limited, you will be liable to process of execution for the purpose of compelling you to obey the said judgment (or order) ” and same shall be served upon the person required to obey the judgment or order.
(2) Where the defendant has no Legal Practitioner, such order shall not be made unless the defendant gives his consent in person in open court.
(a) for the issue of any writ other than a writ of attachment;
(b) for the amendment of any writ or pleadings;
(c) for the filing of any document; or
(d) for any act to be done by any officer of the Court other than a Legal Practitioner, it shall not be necessary to draw up such order unless the Judge otherwise directs; but the production of a note or memorandum of such order signed by a Judge shall be sufficient authority for such enlargement of time, issue, amendment, filing or other act.
(2) A direction that the costs of the order shall be costs in any cause or matter, shall not be deemed to be a special direction within the meaning of this rule.
(2) Every order so filed shall be deemed to be duly entered and the date of the filing shall be deemed the date of entry.
(3) An order shall be in Form 35 with such variations as circumstances require. It shall be sealed and shall be marked with the name of the Judge by whom it is made.
ORDER 43 – WRIT OF EXECUTION: GENERAL
(a) six years or more have elapsed since the date of the judgment or order;
(b) any change has taken place, whether by death or otherwise, in the parties entitled or liable to execution under the judgment or order;
(c) the judgment or order is against the assets of a deceased person coming to the hands of his executors or administrators after the date of the judgment or order and it is sought to issue execution against the assets;
(d) under the judgment or order any person is entitled to relief subject to the fulfillment of any condition which it is alleged has been fulfilled;
(e) any goods sought to be seized under a writ of execution are in the hands of a receiver appointed by the Court or a sequestrator.
(2) Sub-rule (1) is without prejudice to any enactment or rule by virtue of which a person is required to obtain the leave of the Court for the issue of a writ of execution or to proceed to execution on or otherwise to the enforcement of a judgment or order.
(3) Where the Court grants leave, whether under this rule or otherwise, for the issue of a writ of execution and writ is not issued within one year after the date of the order granting such leave, the order shall cease to have effect, without prejudice, however, to the making of a fresh order.
(2) Such an application shall be supported by an affidavit:
(a) identifying the judgment or order to which the application relates and, if the judgment or order is for the payment of money, stating the amount originally due thereunder and the amount due at the date of the application;
(b) stating, where the case falls within rule 2(1)(a) , the reason for the delay in enforcing the judgment or order;
(c) stating, where the case falls within rule 2 (1)(b) , of the change which has taken place in the parties entitled or liable to execution since the date of the judgment or order;
(d) stating, where the case falls within rule 2(1)(c) or (d), that a demand to satisfy the judgment or order was made on the person liable to satisfy it and that he has refused or failed to do so;
(e) giving such other information as is necessary to satisfy the Court that the applicant is entitled to proceed to execution on the judgment or order in question and that the person against whom it is sought to issue execution is liable to execution on it.
(3) The judge hearing the application may grant leave in accordance with the application or may order that any issue, question or decision on which is necessary to determine the rights of the parties, be tried in any manner in which any question of fact or law arising in any action may be tried and in either case, may impose such terms as to costs or otherwise as he thinks just.
(2) Subject to sub-rule (3), the notice of motion, stating the grounds of the application, shall be served personally on the person against whose property it is sought to issue the writ.
(3) An application for leave to issue a writ of sequestration may be made to a Judge in Chambers.
(2) A praecipe for the issue of a writ as in Form 36 shall be filed before the writ is issued.
(3) The praecipe shall be signed by the Legal Practitioner of the person entitled to execution or if the person is acting in person, by that person.
(4) No such writ shall be sealed unless at the time of the tender thereof for sealing:
(a) the person tendering it produces:
(i) the judgment or order on which the writ is to be issued or an office copy thereof;
(ii) where the writ may not be issued without the leave of the Court, the order granting the leave or evidence of the granting it;
(b) the Registrar is satisfied that the period, if any, specified in the judgment or order for the payment of any money or the doing of any other act thereunder has expired.
(5) Every writ of execution shall bear the day and date on which it is issued.
(2) Where a writ has not been wholly executed, the Court may by order extend the validity of the writ from time to time for a period of 12 months at any time beginning with the day on which the order is made if an application for extension is made to the Court before the day next following that on which the writ would otherwise expire or such later day, as the Court may allow.
(3) Before a writ, the validity of which has been extended under this rule is executed, either the writ shall be sealed with the seal of the Court showing the date on which the order extending its validity was made, or the applicant for the order shall serve a notice sealed as aforesaid on the sheriff to whom the writ is directed informing him of the making of the order and the date thereof.
(4) The production of a writ of execution or of the notice as is mentioned in sub-rule (3). purporting in either case to be sealed as mentioned in that sub-rule, shall be evidence that the validity of that writ, or as the case may be, of the writ referred to in that notice, has been extended under this rule.
(2) If a sheriff on whom such notice is served, fails to comply with it, the party by whom it was served may apply to the Court for an order directing the Sheriff to comply with the notice.
ORDER 44 – GARNISHEE PROCEEDINGS
(2) An order under this rule, shall in the first instance be an order to show cause, specifying the time and place for further consideration of the matter and in the meantime attaching such debt as is mentioned in sub-rule (1) or so much thereof as may be specified in the order and the costs of the garnishee proceedings.
(3) An order under this rule, shall not require a payment which would reduce below N 1,000.00 the amount standing in the name of the judgment debtor in an account with a bank or a credit union.
(a) stating the name and last known address of the judgment debtor;
(b) identifying the judgment or order to be enforced and stating the amount of the judgment or order the amount remaining unpaid under it at the time of the application;
(c) stating that to the best of the information or belief of the deponent the garnishee (naming him) is within the jurisdiction and is indebted to the judgment debtor and stating the sources of the deponent’s information or the grounds for his belief; and
(d) stating, where the garnishee is a bank or credit union having more than one place of business, the name and address of the branch at which the judgment debtor’s account is believed to be held and the number of that account or if it be the case, that all or part of this information is not known to the deponent.
(a) on the garnishee personally, at least 15 days before the appointed day for further consideration of the matter; and
(b) on the judgment debtor, at least 7 days after the order has been served on the garnishee and at least 7 days before the day appointed for the further consideration of the matter.
(2) An order under rule 1, shall bind in the hands of the garnishee as from the service of the order on him of any debt specified in the order or so much thereof as may be so specified.
(2) An order absolute under rule 1 against the garnishee may be enforced in the same manner as any other order for the payment of money.
ORDER 45 – HABEAS CORPUS PROCEEDINGS
(2) The application may be made ex parte and shall be accompanied by an affidavit by the person detained, setting out the nature of the detention and the grounds on which the application is made.
(3) Where the person detained, is unable owing to the detention to make the affidavit, the application\ shall be accompanied by an affidavit to the like effect, made by some other person which shall state that the person detained is unable to make the affidavit himself.
(2) The Judge may adjourn the ex parte application so that notice thereof may be given to the person against whom the order is sought.
(3) The Judge may order the person detained, to be produced in court and may discharge him immediately with or without conditions.
(2) Unless the Judge otherwise directs, there shall be at least 2 clear days, between the service of the notice and the date named for the hearing of the application.
(2) The order shall contain the date on which the person detained is to be brought before the Judge and that in default of obedience, proceedings for attachment of the party disobeying will be taken.
(2) Every application for an order to bring up a prisoner, otherwise than by writ of Habeas corpus, to give evidence in any cause or matter, civil or criminal, before any court or tribunal shall be supported by an affidavit.
ORDER 46 – COMMITTAL FOR CONTEMPT OF COURT
(2) An order of committal may be made by the Court where contempt of Court:
(a) is committed in connection with:
(i) any proceedings before the Court;
(ii) proceedings in an inferior Court;
(b) is committed in the face of the Court or consists of disobedience to an order of the Court or a breach of an undertaking to the Court; or
(c) is committed otherwise than in connection with any proceedings.
(2) The motion on notice and the accompanying documents shall be served personally on the person sought to be committed unless the Court orders otherwise.
(a) where the application arises out of proceedings relating to the wardship or adoption of an infant or wholly or mainly to guardianship, custody, maintenance or upbringing of an infant or right of access to an infant:
(b) where the application arises out of proceedings relating to a person suffering or appearing to be suffering from mental disorder;
(c) where the application arises out of proceedings in which a secret process, discovery or invention was in issue:
(d) where it appears to the Judge that in the interest of the administration of justice or for reasons of national security the application should be heard in chambers, but except as aforesaid, the application shall be heard in open court.
(2) If the Judge hearing an application in Chambers by virtue of sub-rule (1) decides to make an order of committal against the person sought to be committed, he shall in open court state:
(a) the name of that person;
(b) in general terms the nature of the contempt of Court in respect of which the order of committal is being made; and
(c) if he is being committed for a fixed period, the length of that period.
(3) Except with the leave of the Judge hearing an application for an order of committal, no grounds shall be relied upon at the hearing except the grounds set out in the motion mentioned in rule 2.
(4) If on the hearing of the application, the person sought to be committed expresses a wish to give oral evidence on his own behalf, he shall be entitled to do so.
(2) Where execution of an order of committal is suspended by an order under sub-rule (1), the applicant for the order of committal shall, unless the Judge otherwise directs, serve on the person against whom it was made a notice informing him of the making and terms of the order.
(2) Where a person has been committed for failing to comply with a judgment or order requiring him to deliver anything to some other person or to deposit it in Court or elsewhere, and a writ of sequestration has also been issued to enforce that judgment or order, then, if the thing is in the custody or power of the person committed, the Sheriff may take possession of it as if it were the property of that person and, without prejudice to the generality of sub-rule (1), the Court may discharge the person committed and may give such directions for dealing with the thing taken by the Sheriff as it thinks fit.
Notice of Consequence of Disobedience to Court Order.
To……………………………………of……………………………
TAKE NOTICE that unless you obey the direction(s) contained in this Order, you will be guilty of contempt of Court and will be liable to be committed to prison.
Dated this………………day of………………………….. 20………………………
……………….
REGISTRAR
ORDER 47 – APPLICATION FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW
(a) an order of mandamus, prohibition or certiorari; or
(b) an injunction restraining a person from acting in any office in which he is not entitled to act, shall be made by way of an application for judicial review in accordance with the provisions of this Order.
(2) An application for a declaration or an injunction (not being an injunction mentioned in sub-rule (1) (b) may be made by way of an application for judicial review and the Court may grant the declaration or injunction claimed if it considers that having regard to:
(a) the nature of the matters in respect of which relief may be granted by way of an order of mandamus, prohibition or certiorari;
(b) the nature of the persons and bodies against whom relief may be granted by way of such an order; and
(c) all the circumstances of the case, it would be just and convenient for the declaration or injunction to be granted on an application for judicial review.
(2) An application for leave shall be made ex parte to the Court, except in vacation when it may be made to a Judge in Chambers, and shall be supported by:
(a) a statement setting out the name and description of the applicant, the relief sought and the grounds on which it is sought; and
(b) affidavit verifying the facts relied on.
(3) The applicant shall file the application not later than the day preceding the date of hearing and shall at the same time lodge sufficient copies of the motion on notice, supporting affidavit and a written address.
(4) The Judge hearing an application for leave may allow the applicant’s statement to be amended, whether by specifying different or additional grounds of relief or otherwise on such terms, if any, as he thinks fit.
(5) The Judge shall not grant leave unless he considers that the applicant has a sufficient interest in the matter to which the application relates.
(6) Where leave is sought to apply for an order of certiorari to remove for the purpose of its being quashed any judgment, order, conviction or other proceedings which is subject to appeal and a time is limited for the bringing of the appeal, the Judge may adjourn the application for leave until the appeal is determined or the time for appealing has expired.
(7) The Judge may in granting leave, impose such terms as to giving security for costs as he thinks fit.
(8) Where an application for leave is refused, the applicant may make a fresh application not later than 10 days after the refusal.
(9) Where leave to apply for judicial review is granted, then:
(a) if the relief sought is an order of prohibition or certiorari and Court so directs, the grant shall operate as a stay of the proceedings to which the application relates until the determination of the application or until the Court otherwise orders;
(b) if any other relief is sought, the Court may at any time grant in the proceeding such interim relief as could be granted in an action begun by writ.
(a) leave for the making of the application; or
(b) any relief sought on the application.
if in the opinion of the Court the granting of the relief sought would be likely to cause substantial hardship to or substantial prejudice to the rights of, any person or would be detrimental to good administration.
(2) In the case of an application for an order of certiorari to remove any judgment, order, conviction or other proceeding for the purpose of quashing it, the relevant period for the purpose of sub-rule (1) is 3 months after the date of the proceeding.
(3) Sub-rule (1) is without prejudice to any statutory provision which has the effect of limiting the time within which an application for judicial review may be made.
(2) The notice of motion or summons shall be served on all persons directly affected and where it relates to any proceedings before a Judge and the object of the application is either to compel the Judge or an officer of the Court to do any act in relation to the proceedings or to quash them or any order made therein, the notice or summons shall also be served on the Clerk or Registrar of the Court and where an objection to the conduct of the Judge is to be made, on the Judge.
(3) Unless the Judge granting leave has otherwise directed, there shall be at least 7 days between the service of the notice of motion or summons and the day named therein for the hearing.
(4) A motion shall be entered for hearing within 14 days after the grant of leave.
(5) An affidavit giving the names and addresses of and the places and dates of service on all persons who have been served with the notice of motion or summons, shall be filed before the motion or summons is entered for hearing and if any person who ought to be served under this rule has not been served, the affidavit shall state that fact and the reason for it and the affidavit shall be before the Judge on the hearing of the motion or summons.
(6) If on the hearing of the motion or summons the Judge is of opinion that any person who ought, whether under this rule or otherwise, to have been served, the Judge may adjourn the hearing on such terms (if any) as he may direct in order that the notice or summons may be served on that person.
(2) The Court may on the hearing of the motion or summon, allow the applicant to amend his statement whether by specifying different or additional grounds of relief or otherwise on such terms as it thinks fit and may allow further affidavit to be used if they deal with new matters arising out of an affidavit of any other party to the application.
(3) Where the applicant intends to ask to be allowed to amend his statement or to use further affidavits, he shall give notice of his intention and of any proposed amendment to every other party.
(4) Each party to the application, shall supply every other party a copy of every affidavit which he proposes to use at the hearing including, in the case of the applicant, the affidavit in support of the application for leave under rule 3.
(a) he has included in the statement in support of his application for leave under rule 3 a claim for damages arising from any matter to which the application relates; and
(b) the Court is satisfied that if the claim had been made in an action begun by the applicant at the time of making his application, he could have been awarded damages.
(2) Where the relief sought is or includes an order of certiorari to remove any proceedings for the purpose of quashing them, the applicant may not question the validity of any order, warrant, commitment, conviction, inquisition or record unless before the hearing of the motion or summons, he has filed a copy thereof verified by affidavit or accounts for his failure to do so to the satisfaction of the judge hearing the motion or summons.
(3) Where an order of certiorari is made in any such case as is referred to in sub-rule (2), the order shall, subject to sub-rule (4), direct that the proceedings shall be quashed forthwith on their removal into Court.
(4) Where the relief sought, is an order of certiorari and the Court is satisfied that there are grounds for quashing the decision to which the application relates, the Court may, in addition to quashing it, remit the matter to the court, tribunal or authority concerned, with a direction to reconsider it and reach a decision in accordance with the findings of the Court.
(5) Where the relief sought is a declaration, an injunction or damages and the Court considers that it should not be granted on an application for judicial review, but might have been granted if it has been sought in an action begun by writ by the applicant at the time of making his application, the Court may, instead of refusing the application, order the proceedings to continue as if they had been begun by writ.
ORDER 48 – APPEAL FROM DISTRICT COURT, ETC.
(2) Where the appellant complains only of a part of the decision, the notice of appeal shall specify the part complained of, otherwise the appeal shall be taken to be against the decision as a whole.
(3) The Notice of Appeal shall give an address within the Judicial Division in which the lower court appealed from is situated and to which notices may be sent for the appellant and the notices may be sent to him by registered post.
(4) The notice of appeal shall be in Form 40 and may be varied to suit the circumstances of the case.
(2) Except where the fees for preparing the copies are remitted, a deposit decided upon by the Registrar as likely to cover the fees, shall be made by the appellant before the preparation of the copies.
(2) If in any such case the respondent appears, the judgment shall be with costs of the appeal against the appellant, unless the Court expressly orders otherwise; but if the respondent does not appear, the costs of the appeal shall be in the discretion of the Court.
(2) The notice shall be accompanied by a clear statement of the grounds on which the respondent intends to ask the Court to confirm the judgment of the lower court.
(3) Such notice and grounds, shall be filed in Court within 14 days of service on the respondent of the notice and grounds of appeal and shall be served on the appellant or his Legal Practitioner.
(2) The grounds of appeal, together with the particulars shall be filed by the respondent within 14 days of service on him of the appellants notice of appeal and shall be served on the appellant or his Legal Practitioner before hearing.
(2) In any case where the Court is of opinion, that any objection to any reason for appeal ought to prevail, the Court may, if it thinks fit, cause the reason for appeal forthwith to be amended upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Court may think just.
Provided that if any error, defect or variance mentioned in this rule appears to the Court at the hearing of any appeal to be such that the appellant has been thereby deceived or misled, the Court may refer the case back to the lower court with directions to re-hear and determine it or to make such other order for disposing of the case as justice may require.
(a) order such evidence to be adduced before the Court on some day to be fixed in that behalf; or
(b) refer the case back to the lower court to take such evidence and may in such case either direct the lower court to adjudicate afresh after taking such evidence and subject to such directions in law, if any, as the Court may think fit to give, or direct it, after taking such evidence, to report specific findings of fact for the information of the Court and on any such reference the case shall, so far as may be practicable and necessary, be dealt with as if it were being heard in the first instance.
(2) The appellant or his Legal Practitioner shall be present when the additional evidence is taken.
(3) Evidence taken in pursuance of rule 18, shall be taken as if it were evidence taken at the trial before the lower court.
(4) When forwarding to the Court any additional evidence taken by a lower court in pursuance of rule 18, the lower court may express its opinion on the demeanour of the witnesses and of the value of their evidence and may also, if it is the same court against whose decision the appeal has been made, state whether or not it would have come to a different decision had the additional evidence been brought forward at the trial.
(2) An appeal shall not operate as a stay of execution under the decision or judgment appealed from, except so far as the lower court or the Court may order; and no intermediate act or proceeding shall be invalidated except so far as either court may direct.
(3) An order for stay may be made subject to such conditions as shall appear just, including the deposit in Court of any money adjudge due to any party in the judgment appealed from.
(2) The order shall limit the time (not exceeding 30 days) within which the deposit of security shall be made or given and may direct that in default of its being made or given within the time so limited, the appeal shall abate.
(3) Where an appeal so abates, the respondent shall be entitled to all reasonable costs occasioned by the appeal and the amount of such costs, may be stated in the order in anticipation or may be assessed at any time by the Court of its own motion or on application made ex parte or on notice, as the Court may deem fit.
(4) Subject and without prejudice to the discretion of the Court to grant costs where it seems proper on an application made under sub-rule (1), costs shall not normally be granted to the applicant except where the net proceeds of execution levied on the appellant’s goods are insufficient to satisfy the amount payable under the judgment or decision appealed from.
“the lower court” means the court whose judgment is appealed against and includes district court, area court, an arbitrator or a referee.
“judgment” includes an order or a ruling.
ORDER 49 – STAY OF EXECUTION PENDING APPEAL TO THE COURT OF APPEAL
(2) An order for stay may be made subject to such conditions as shall appear just, including the deposit in Court of any money adjudged due to any party in the judgment appealed from.
ORDER 50 – FORECLOSURE AND REDEMPTION
(a) payment of money secured by the mortgage or charge;
(b) sale;
(c) foreclosure;
(d) delivery of possession (whether before or after foreclosure) to the mortgagee or person entitled to the charge, by the mortgagor or person having the property subject to the possession of the property;
(e) redemption;
(f) reconveyance;
(g) delivery of possession by the mortgagee.
ORDER 51 – PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION
(2) In regard to any such application, the Chief Judge shall have power to request the Court of any Judicial Division to take measures and make such orders as may appear necessary or expedient for the interim preservation of the property of the deceased within such Judicial Division, for the discovery or preservation of the Will of the deceased or for any other purposes connected with the duties of the Court under this Order and every court shall carry out any such request as far as practicable and report to the Chief Judge.
(3) No grant of administration with the Will annexed shall issue within 7 days of the death of the deceased; and no grant of administration (not with the Will annexed) shall issue within 14 days of such\ death.
Provided that the Court may refuse the grant unless the applicant produces the required evidence on these points or any of them as required by the Court.
Provided that the Court may in its discretion, refuse the grant unless and until all persons entitled to the grant in priority to the applicant shall have expressly renounced their prior right.
Provided that for the purpose of the fees payable on Letters of Administration, the value of the property in respect of which the grant is made shall be deemed not to include:
(a) any gratuity payable by the Government of the Federation of Nigeria, or of a State, to the estate of any person formerly employed by either of such Governments or by a Statutory Corporation;
(b) any sum of money payable to an estate from a Provident Fund established under the provisions of any applicable law.
(2) If the Will appears to be so signed and subscribed, the Court shall then refer to the attestation clause (if any) and consider whether the wording thereof state the Will to have been in fact executed in accordance with those enactments.
(2) If no affidavit can be obtained in accordance with sub-rule (1) the Registrar may, if he deems fit having regard to the desirability of protecting the interest of any person who may be prejudiced by the Will, accept evidence on affidavit from any person he may deem fit to show that the signature on the Will is the handwriting of the deceased or of any other matter which may raise a presumption in favour of the due execution of the Will.
(3) If the Registrar, after considering the evidence:
(a) is satisfied that the Will was not duly executed, he shall refuse probate and shall mark the Will accordingly,
(b) is doubtful whether the Will was duly executed, he may refer the matter to the Court by motion.
Provided that this sub-rule shall not apply to any alteration which appears to the Registrar to be of no practical importance.
(2) If from any mark on the Will, it appears to the Registrar that some other documents have been attached to the Will or if a Will contains any reference to another document in such terms as to suggest that it ought to be incorporated in the Will, the Registrar may require the document to be produced and may call for such evidence in regard to the attaching or incorporation of the document as he may deem fit.
(3) Where there is doubt as to the date on which a Will was executed, the Registrar may require such evidence as he deems necessary to establish the date.
(a) the executor;
(b) any residuary legatee or devisee holding in trust for any other person;
(c) any residuary legatee or devisee for life;
(d) the ultimate residuary legatee or devisee, including one entitled on the happening of any contingency or where the residue is wholly disposed of, by the Will, any person entitled to share in the residue not so disposed of or the personal representative of any such person;
Provided that:
(i) unless the Registrar otherwise directs, a residuary legatee or devisee whose legacy or devise is vested in interest shall be preferred to one entitled on the happening of a contingency; and
(ii) where the residue is not in terms wholly disposed of, the Registrar may, if he is satisfied that the testator has nevertheless disposed of the whole or substantially the whole of the estate as ascertained at the time of the application for the grant, allow a grant to be made (subject to rule 68) to any legatee or devisee entitled to or to a share in the estate so disposed of, without regard to the persons entitled to share in any residue not disposed of by the Will;
(e) any specific legatee or devisee or any creditor or subject to sub-rule (3) of rule 59, the personal representative of any such person or where the estate is not wholly disposed of by Will, any person who, notwithstanding that the amount of the estate is such that he has no immediate beneficial interest therein, may have a beneficial interest in the event of an accretion to it;
(f) any specific legatee or the happening of any contingency, or any person having no interest under the Will who would have been entitled to a grant if the deceased had died wholly intestate.
(a) an application to join with a person entitled to a grant of administration with the Will attached, a person in a lower degree shall, in default of renunciation by all persons entitled in priority to the latter, be made to the Registrar and shall be supported by an affidavit by the person entitled, the consent of the person proposed to be joined as personal representative and such other evidence as the Registrar may require;
(b) an application to join with a person entitled to a grant of administration with the Will attached, a person having no right to it shall be made to the Registrar and shall be supported by an affidavit by the person entitled, the consent of the person proposed to be joined as personal representative and such other evidence as the Registrar may require:
Provided that there may without any such application be joined with a person entitled to administration with the Will attached –
(i) on the renunciation of all other person entitled to join in the grant, any kin of the deceased having no beneficial interest in the estate;
(ii) unless the Registrar otherwise directs, any person whom the guardian of a minor may nominate for the purpose;
(iii) a trust corporation.
(2) Interlineations, alterations, erasures and obliterations are invalid unless they existed in the Will at the time of its execution or unless if made afterwards, they have been executed and attested in the mode required by the said enactments or unless they have been made valid by the re-execution of the Will or by the subsequent execution of some codicil thereto.
(3) Where interlineations, alterations, erasures or obliterations appear in the Will (unless duly executed or recited in or otherwise identified by the attestation clause), an affidavit in proof of their having existed in the Will before its execution shall be filed.
(4) If no satisfactory evidence is adduced, respecting the time when an erasure or obliteration was made, and the words erased or obliterated are not entirely effaced and can, on inspection of the Will, be ascertained, they shall form part of the probate. Where any words have been erased which might have been of importance, an affidavit shall be required.
(2) If there are vestiges of sealing wax or wafers, or other marks on the Will, leading to the inference that some document has been at sometime annexed or attached thereto, a satisfactory account of them shall be required and if it is not produced, a satisfactory account of its non-production shall be proved.
Provided that where the Registrar is satisfied that compliance with this rule might result in the loss of the Will, he may allow a photocopy to be marked or exhibited in lieu of the original document.
(2) The Court shall ascertain the time and place of the deceased’s death and the value of the property to be covered by the administration.
(2) The Court may if it deems fit, take one surety only where the gross value of the estate does not exceed N100,000.00 or where a corporation is proposed as a surety.
(3) The bond shall be in form of a penalty which is twice the sum value of the estate of the deceased unless the Court deems it expedient to reduce the amount.
(4) The Court may also in any case, direct that more bonds than one shall be given, so as to limit the liability of any surety to such amount as the Court deems reasonable.
(a) by virtue of rule 25(e) to a creditor or the personal representative of a creditor or to a person who has not immediate beneficial interest in the estate of the deceased but may have such an interest in the event of an accretion to the estate;
(b) under rule 61 to a person or some of the persons who would, if the person beneficially entitled to the whole of the estate died intestate be entitled to his estate;
(c) under rule 63 to the attorney of a person entitled to a grant;
(d) under rule 64 for the use and benefit of a minor;
(e) under rule 66 for use and benefit of a person who by reason of mental or physical incapacity is incapable of managing his affairs;
(f) to an applicant who appears to the Registrar to be resident elsewhere than in the State; or
(g) except where the Registrar considers that there are special circumstances making it desirable to require a guarantee.
(2) Notwithstanding that it is proposed to make a grant as aforesaid, a guarantee shall not be required, except in special circumstances, on an application for administration where the applicant or one of the applicants is the Administrator-General or a trust corporation.
(3) Every guarantee entered into by a surety for the purpose of the Order, shall be in Form 44 with such variations as circumstances may require.
(4) Except where the surety is a corporation, the signature of the surety on every such guarantee, shall be attested by an authorized officer, Commissioner for Oaths or other person authorized by law to administer an oath.
(5) Unless the Registrar otherwise directs:
(a) if it is decided to require a guarantee, it shall be given by two sureties, except where the gross value of the estate does not exceed N1,000.00 or a corporation is a proposed surety, and in those cases one will suffice;
(b) no person shall be accepted as a surety unless he is resident in the State;
(c) no officer of the judiciary shall be a surety;
(d) the limit of the liability of the surety or sureties under a guarantee shall be the gross amount of the estate as sworn on the application for the grant;
(e) every surety other than a corporation, shall justify his eligibility.
(6) Where the proposed surety is a corporation, there shall be filed an affidavit by the proper officer of the corporation to the effect that it has power to act as surety and has executed the guarantee in the manner prescribed by its Constitution and containing sufficient information as to the financial position of the corporation to satisfy the Registrar that its assets are sufficient to satisfy all claims which may be made against it under any guarantee which it has given or is likely to give.
(2) The Court shall have discretionary power to make or refuse any such order or to give any special directions in respect of the carriage or execution of it and in the case of applications for such an order by two or more different persons, or classes of person, to grant the same to such one or more of the claimants or classes of claimants, as the Court deems fit.
(3) If the Court deems fit the carriage of the order may subsequently be given to such person and on such terms, as the Court deems fit.
(2) The Court shall require and compel him to file in the Court his accounts of his administration at intervals not exceeding 3 months.
Provided that where the Court shall be satisfied that by reason of exceptional circumstances the administration of the property has required an extraordinary amount of labour to be bestowed on it, the Court may allow in respect of such property a higher rate of remuneration.
(2) Any such executor or administrator who fails within any such period to file his accounts as aforesaid, shall be liable to a penalty of N100.00 for every day of default. Every such fine, shall on non-payment be enforceable by distress, and failing sufficient distress, by imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.
(3) When an account is filed in Court under this rule, the Court shall scrutinize such account and if it appears to the Court, that by reason of improper, unvouched or unjustifiable entries or otherwise such account is not a full and proper account, the Court shall require the person filing the account to remedy such defects as there may be within such time as the Court may deem reasonable for the purpose; and on failure to remedy such defects be deemed to have failed to file an account within the meaning of this rule and proceedings may be taken against such person accordingly.
(4) It shall be the duty of the Probate Registrar, to bring to the notice of the court, the fact that any executor or administrator has failed to file his accounts as required by this rule.
(5) The Court may, on the motion of any party interested, or suo motu, summon any executor or administrator failing as aforesaid, to show cause why he should not be punished.
(6) The Court may for good cause shown extend the time for such filing of accounts.
(7) Any executor or administrator who has been granted an extension of time to file such accounts, and who fails within such extended time to file such accounts, shall be liable to the penalty set out above and the procedure for bringing him before the Court shall be as set out above.
(8) Such accounts shall be open to the inspection of all persons satisfying the Probate Registrar that they are interested in the administration.
(9) In this rule, the word “accounts” shall mean and include an inventory, an account of the administration, the vouchers in the hands of the executor or administrator relating thereto and affidavit in verification.
II: Probate (Non-Contentious) Procedure
(2) A personal applicant may not apply through an agent, whether paid or unpaid and may not be represented by any person acting or appearing to act as his adviser.
(3) No personal application shall be recovered or proceeded with if:
(a) it becomes necessary to bring the matter before the Court by motion or by action;
(b) an application has already been made by a Legal Practitioner on behalf of the applicant and has not been withdrawn;
(c) the Registrar otherwise directs.
(4) After a Will has been deposited in the Registry by a personal applicant, it may not be delivered to the applicant or to any other person unless in special circumstances the Registrar so directs.
(5) A personal applicant shall produce a certificate of the death of the deceased or such other evidence of the death as the Registrar may approve.
(6) A personal applicant shall supply all information necessary to enable the papers leading to the grant to be prepared in the Registry or may himself prepare such papers and lodge them unsworn.
(7) Unless the Registrar otherwise directs, every oath, affidavit or guarantee required of a personal application shall be sworn or executed by all the deponents or sureties before an authorized officer.
(2) The Registrar may require proof of the identity of the deceased or of the applicant for the grant beyond those contained in the oath.
(3) No grant of probate or of administration with the Will annexed shall issue within 7 days of the death of the deceased; and no grant of administration (not with the Will annexed) shall issue within 14 days of such death.
(2) Unless otherwise directed by the Registrar, the oath shall state where the deceased was domiciled at the time of death.
(2) Where a Will contains alterations which are not admissible to proof, there shall be lodged an engrossment of the Will in the form in which it is to be proved.
(3) Any engrossment lodged under this rule, shall reproduce the punctuation, spacing and division into paragraphs of the Will and if it is one to which sub-rule (2) applies, it shall be made book-wise on durable paper following continuously from page to page.
(4) Where any pencil writing appears on a Will, there shall be lodged a copy of the Will or of the pages or sheets containing the pencil writing in which there shall be underlined in red ink those portions which appear in pencil in the original.
(2) Where there are two or more assignees, probate may be granted with the consent of the others to any one or more (not exceeding four) of them.
(3) In any case where probate is applied for by an assignee, a copy of the instrument of assignment shall be lodged in the Registry.
(2) On any such application, the Registrar may direct that a note shall be made on the original grant of the addition of a further personal representative or he may impound or revoke the grant or make such order as the circumstances of the case may require.
(2) A dispute between persons entitled to a grant in the same degree shall be brought by application before the Registrar.
(3) If an application under this rule is brought before the Registrar, he shall not allow any grant to be sealed until such application is finally disposed off.
(4) Unless the Registrar otherwise directs, probate or administration with the Wilt attached shall be granted to a living person in preference to the personal representative of a deceased person who would, if living, be entitled in the same degree and to person not under disability in preference to an infant entitled in the same degree.
(2) The rules mentioned in sub-rule (1) shall not apply where the deceased died domiciled outside the State, except in a case to which the provisions of rule 63 applies.
Provided that a surviving spouse shall not be regarded as person in whom the estate has vested absolutely unless he would be entitled to the whole of the estate, whatever its value may be.
(a) to the person entrusted with the administration of the estate by the Court having jurisdiction at the place where the deceased died domiciled;
(b) to the person entitled to administer the estate by the law of the place where the deceased died domiciled;
(c) if there is no such person as is mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) or if in the opinion of the Registrar circumstances so require, to such person as the Registrar may direct;
(d) if a grant required to be made to or if the Registrar in his discretion considers that a grant should be made to, not less than two administrators, to such person as the Registrar may direct jointly with any such person as is mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) or with any other person:
Provided that without any such order as aforesaid:
(a) probate of any Will which is admissible to proof may be granted:
(i) if the Will is in English or in the local vernacular, to the executor named therein;
(ii) if the Will described the duties of a named person in terms sufficient to constitute him executor according to the tenor of the Will, to that person;
(b) where the whole of the estate in the State consists of immovable property, a grant limited thereto may be made in accordance with the law that would have been applicable if the deceased had died domiciled in the State.
Provided that where the person so entitled is an executor, administration shall not be granted to his attorney without notice to the other executors, if any.
(2) Where the Registrar is satisfied by affidavit, that it is desirable for a grant to be made to the lawful attorney of a person entitled to a grant and resident in the State, he may direct the grant to be made to the attorney for the use and benefit of such person, until such person obtains a grant or in such other way as the Registrar may direct.
(a) to both parents of the minor jointly or to any guardian appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction; or
(b) if there is no such guardian able and willing to act and the minor has attained the age of 16 years, to any next of kin nominated by the minor or where the minor is a married woman, to any such next of kin or to her spouse if nominated by her.
(2) Any person nominated under sub-rule (1) (b) may represent any other minor whose next of kin he is, being a minor below the age of 16 years entitled in the same degree as the minor who made the nomination.
(3) Notwithstanding anything in this rule, administration for the use and benefit of the minor until he attains the age of 18 years may be granted to any person assigned as guardian by order of a court in default of, or jointly with, or to the exclusion of any such person as is mentioned in sub-rule (I) and such an order may be made on application by the intended guardian, who shall file an affidavit in support of the application and, if required by the court an affidavit of fitness sworn by a responsible person.
(4) Where a grant is required to be made to not less than two persons and there is only one person competent and willing to take a grant under the foregoing provisions of this rule, a grant may, unless the Registrar otherwise directs, be made to such person jointly with any other person nominated by him as a fit and proper person to take the grant.
(5) Where a minor who is sole executor has no interest in the residuary estate of the deceased, administration with the Will attached for the use and benefit of the minor until he attains the age of 18 years shall, unless the Registrar otherwise directs, be granted to the person entitled to the residuary estate.
(6) A minor’s right to administration may be renounced only by a person assigned as guardian under subrule (3) and authorized to renounce by the Registrar.
(2) A minor executor’s right to probate on attaining the age of 18 years shall not be renounced by any person on his behalf.
(a) in the case of mental incapacity, to the person authorized by the Court to apply for the grant;
(b) where there is no person so authorized or in the case of physical incapacity:
(i) if the person incapable is entitled as executor and has no interest in the residuary estate of the deceased, to the person entitled to such residuary estate;
(ii) if the person incapable is entitled otherwise than as executor or is an executor having an interest in the residuary estate of the deceased, to the person who would be entitled to a grant in respect of his estate if he had died intestate; or to such other person as the Registrar may by order direct.
(2) Unless the Registrar otherwise directs, no grant shall be made under this rule unless all persons entitled in the same degree as the person incapable have been considered and excluded.
(3) In the case of mental incapacity, notice of intended application for a grant under this rule shall, unless\ the Registrar otherwise directs, be given to the person alleged to be so incapable.
(2) Unless the Registrar otherwise directs, no person who has renounced a grant in one capacity may obtain a grant in some other capacity.
(3) A renunciation of probate or administration may be retracted at any time on the order of the Registrar:
Provided that only in exceptional circumstances may leave be given to an executor to retract a renunciation of probate after a grant has been made to such other person entitled in a lower degree.
(2) On any such application:
(a) an Inland Revenue Affidavit shall be lodged as if the application were one for a grant in the State;
(b) the application shall be advertised in such manner as the Registrar may direct and shall be supported by an oath sworn by the person making the application.
(3) On an application for the resealing of such a grant:
(a) the Registrar shall not require sureties except where it appears to him that the grant is made to a person or for a purpose mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (f) of rule 35(1) or except where he considers that there are special circumstances making it desirable to require sureties;
(b) Rules 35(2), (4), (5), (6) and 51 (4) shall apply with any necessary modifications; and
(c) a guarantee entered into by a surety shall be in Form 45 with such variations as circumstances may require.
(4) Except by leave of the Registrar, no grant shall be resealed unless it was made to such a person as is mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of rule 62 or to a person to whom a grant could be made under a proviso to that rule.
(5) No limited or temporary grant shall be resealed except by leave of the Registrar.
(6) Every grant lodged for resealing shall include a copy of any Will to which the grant relates or shall be accompanied by a copy certified as correct by or under the authority of the court by which the grant was made.
(7) The Registrar shall send notice of the resealing to the court which made the grant.
(8) Where notice is received in the Registry from outside the State of resealing of a grant made in the State, notice of any amendment or revocation of the grant shall be sent to the court by which it was resealed.
Provided that except in special circumstances no grant shall be amended or revoked under this rule except on the application or with the consent of the person to whom the grant was made.
(2) Any person who wishes to ensure that no grant is sealed without notice to himself may enter a caveat in the Registry.
(3) Any person who wishes to enter a caveat (in this rule called “the Caveator”) may do so by completing Form 46 in the appropriate book at the Registry and obtaining an acknowledgment of entry from the proper officer, or by sending through the post at his own risk a notice in Form 46 to the Registry in which he wishes the caveat to be entered.
(4) Where the caveat is entered by a Legal Practitioner on behalf of the Caveator the name of the Caveator shall be slated in Form 46.
(5) Except as otherwise provided by this rule, a caveat shall remain in force for 3 months from the date on which it is entered and shall then cease to have effect, without prejudice to the entry of a further caveat or caveats.
(6) The Registrar shall maintain an index of caveats entered in the Registry and on receiving an application for a grant in the Registry, he shall cause the index to be searched and shall notify the applicant in the event of any caveat having been entered against the sealing of a grant for which application has been made.
(7) The Registrar shall not allow any grant to be sealed if he has knowledge of an effective caveat in respect thereof:
Provided that no caveat shall operate in the sealing of a grant on the day on which caveat is entered.
(8) A warning in Form 47 may issue from the Registry against a Caveator at the instance of any person interested (“the person warning”) which shall state his interest and if he claims under a Will, the date of the Will, and shall require the Caveator to give particulars of any contrary interest which he may have in the estate of the deceased; and every warning or copy thereof shall be served on the Caveator,
(9) A Caveator having an interest contrary to that of the person warning may, within 8 days of service of the warning upon him inclusive of the day of such service; or at any time thereafter if no affidavit has been filed under sub-rule (12), enter an appearance in the Registry by filing Form 48 and making an entry in the appropriate book and shall forthwith thereafter serve on the person warning a copy of Form 48 sealed with the seal of the Registry.
(10) A Caveator who has not entered an appearance to a warning, may at any time withdraw his caveat by giving notice at the Registry and the caveat shall then cease to have effect and if he has been warned, the Caveator shall forthwith give notice of withdrawal of the caveat to the person warning
(11) A Caveator having no interest contrary to that of the person warning but wishing to show cause against the sealing of a grant to that person may, within 8 days of service of the warning upon him inclusive of the day of such service or at any time thereafter if no affidavit has been filed under sub-rule (12), issue and serve a summons for directions, which shall be returnable before the Registrar.
(12) If the time limited for appearance has expired and the Caveator has not entered an appearance, the person warning may tile in the Registry, an affidavit showing that the warning was duly served and that he has not received a summons for directions under sub-rule (II) and thereupon the caveat shall cease to have effect.
(13) Upon commencement of a probate action, the Probate Registrar, shall, if a caveat is in force (other than a caveat entered by the claimant) give to the Caveator notice of the commencement of the action and upon the subsequent entry of a caveat at any time when the action is pending, shall likewise notify the Caveator of the existence of the action.
(14) Unless the Registrar otherwise directs:
(a) any caveat in force at the commencement of proceedings by way of citation or motion shall, unless withdrawn pursuant to sub-rule (10), remain in force until an application for a grant is made by the person shown to be entitled thereto by the decision of the Court in such proceedings and upon such application any caveat entered by a party who had notice of the proceedings shall cease to have effect;
(b) any caveat in respect of which an appearance to a warning has been entered shall remain in force until the commencement of a probate action;
(c) the commencement of a probate action shall, whether or not any caveat has been entered, operate to prevent the sealing of a grant until application for a grant is made by the person shown to be entitled thereto by the decision of the Court in such action and upon such application any caveat entered by a party who had notice of the action or by a caveat or who was given notice under sub-rule (13), shall cease to have effect.
(15) Except with the leave of the Registrar, no further caveat may be entered by or on behalf of any Caveator whose caveat has ceased to have effect under sub-rule (12) or (14).
(2) Every citation shall be settled by the Registrar before being issued.
(3) Every averment in a citation and such other information as the Registrar may require shall be verified by an affidavit sworn to by the person issuing the citation (in this Order called “the Citor”) or if there are two or more Citors, by one of them:
Provided that the Registrar may in special circumstances accept an affidavit sworn to by the Citor’s Legal Practitioner.
(4) The Citor shall enter a caveat before issuing a citation.
(5) Every citation shall be Served personally on the person cited unless the Registrar, on cause shown by affidavit, directs some other mode of service, which may include notice by advertisement.
(6) Every Will referred to in a citation shall be lodged in the Registry before the citation is issued, except where the Will is not in the Citor’s possession and the Registrar is satisfied that it is impracticable to require it to be lodged.
(7) A person who has been cited to appear, may, within 8 days of service of the citation upon him inclusive of the day of such service or at any time thereafter if no application has been made by the Citor under sub-rule (5) of rule 35 or sub-rule (2) of rule 69 enter an appearance in the Registry by filling Form 48 and making an entry in the appropriate book and shall thereafter serve on the Citor a copy of Form 48 scaled with the seal of the Registry.
(2) Where power to make a grant to an executor has been reserved, a citation calling on him to accept or refuse a grant may be issued at the instance of the executors who have proved the Will or the executors of the last survivor of deceased executors who have proved.
(3) A citation calling on an executor who has intermeddled in the estate of the deceased to show cause why he should not be ordered to take a grant, may be issued at the instance of any person interested in the estate at any time after the expiration of 6 months from the death of the deceased:
Provided that no citation to take a grant shall issue while proceedings as to the validity of the Will are pending.
(4) A person cited who is willing to accept or take a grant may apply ex parte to the Registrar for an order for a grant on filing an affidavit showing that he has entered an appearance and that he has not been served by the Citor with notice of any application for a grant to himself.
(5) If the time limited for appearance has expired and the person cited has not entered an appearance, the Citor may:
(a) in the case of a citation under sub-rule (1), apply to the Registrar for an order for a grant to himself;
(b) in the case of a citation under sub-rule (2), apply to the Registrar for an order that a note be made on the grant that the executor in respect of whom power was reserved has been duly cited and has not appeared and that all his rights in respect of the executorship have wholly ceased;
(c) in the case of citation under sub-rule (3), apply to the Registrar by summons (which shall be served on the person cited) for an order requiring such person to take a grant within a specified time or for a grant to himself or some other person specified in the summons.
(6) An application under sub-rule (5) shall be supported by an affidavit showing that the citation was duly served and that the person cited has not entered an appearance.
(7) If the person cited has entered an appearance but has not applied for a grant under sub-rule (4) or has failed to prosecute his application with reasonable diligence, the Citor may:
(a) in the case of a citation under sub-rule (1), apply by summons to the Registrar for an order for a grant to himself;
(b) in the case of a citation under sub-rule (2), apply by summons to the Registrar for an order striking out the appearance and for the endorsement on the grant of such a note as mentioned in paragraph (b) of sub-rule (5);
(c) in the case of a citation under sub-rule (3), apply by summons to the Registrar for an order requiring the person cited to take a grant within a specific time or for a grant to himself or some other persons specified in the summons; and the summons shall be served on the person cited in each case.
(2) If the time limited for appearance has expired, the Citor may:
(a) in the case where no person cited has entered an appearance, apply to the Registrar for an order for a grant as if the Will were invalid;
(b) in the case of a citation under sub-rule (2) of rule 73, apply by summons to the Registrar for an order striking out the appearance and for endorsement on the grant of such a note as mentioned in paragraph
(b) of sub-rule (5) of rule 73;
(c) in the case of a citation under sub-rule (3) of rule 73, apply by summons to the Registrar for an order requiring the person cited to take a grant within a specified time or for a grant to himself or some other person specified in the summons; and the summons shall be served on the persons cited in each case.
(2) An application for the issue by the Registrar of a subpoena to bring in a Will shall be supported by an affidavit setting out the grounds for the application and if any person served with the subpoena denies that the Will is in his possession or control, he may file an affidavit to that effect.
(a) whether the application is made in respect of the real estate only or any part thereof or real estate together with personal estate or in respect of a trust estate only;
(b) whether the estate of the deceased is known to be insolvent;
(c) that the persons entitled to a grant in respect of the whole estate in priority to the applicant have been considered and excluded.
Provided that where a Will is not available owing to its being retained in the custody of a foreign court or official, a duly authenticated copy of the Will may be admitted to proof without any such order as aforesaid.
(2) The application shall be supported by an affidavit setting out the grounds of the application and by such evidence on affidavit as the applicant can adduce as to:
(a) the due execution of the Will;
(b) its existence after the death of the testator;
(c) the accuracy of the copy or other evidence of the contents of the Will, together with any consent in writing to the application given by any person not under disability who would be prejudiced by the grant.
(2) A notice filed under this rule, shall be notice on the grant and the record shall be open to inspection.
(2) Copies, not being photocopies of original Wills or other documents deposited as aforesaid shall be examined against the documents of which they purport to be copies if so required by the person demanding the copy and in such case the copy shall be certified under the hand of a Registrar to be a true copy and may in addition be sealed with the seal of the Court.
(2) If in the case of a summons for review under sub-rule (1) any person besides the applicant appeared or was represented before the Registrar from whose decision or requirement the application for review is brought, the summons shall be issued within 7 days thereof for hearing on the first available day and shall be served on every such person concerned.
(3) On such review, the Judge shall have power to cancel or amend anything which may have been done by the Probate Registrar.
(2) Where by the provisions of this Order or by any direction given under sub-rule (1) a notice of motion or summons is required to be served on any person, it shall be served not less than 5 days before the hearing of the motion or summons.
Provided that where the deceased died before the commencement of these Rules, the right to a grant shall, subject to the provisions of any enactment, be determined by the principles and rules in accordance with which the Court would have acted at the date of the death.
III. Proceedings Generally
(a) any question affecting the rights or interests of the person claiming to be creditor, beneficiary, next of kin or heir-at-law or cestui que trust;
(b) the ascertainment of any class of creditors, beneficiary, next of kin or heirs;
(c) the furnishing of any particular accounts by the executors or administrators or trustee and the vouching (when necessary) of such accounts;
(d) the payment into Court of any money in the hands of the executors or administrators or trustees;
(e) directing the executors or administrators or trustees to do or abstain from doing any particular act in their character as such executors or administrators or trustees;
(f) the approval of any sale, purchase, compromise or other transaction;
(g) the determination of any question arising in the administration of the estate or trust.
(a) the administration of the personal or real estate of the deceased;
(b) the administration of the trust;
(c) any act to be done or step to be taken which the Court could have ordered to be done or taken if any such administration order as aforesaid had previously been made.
(1) Where the summons is taken out by an executor or administrator or trustee:
(a) for the determination of any question under paragraphs (a), (c), (f) or (g) of rule 101, the persons or one of the persons, whose rights or interests are sought to be affected;
(b) for the determination of any question under paragraph (b) or rule 101, any member or alleged member of the class;
(c) for the determination of any question under paragraph (c) of rule 101, any person interested in taking such account;
(d) for the determination of any question under paragraph (c) of rule 101, any person interested in taking such money;
(e) for relief under paragraph (a) of rule 102, the residuary legatees or next of kin (or some of them) or the residuary devisees, or heirs, or some of them, as the case may be;
(f) for relief under paragraph (b) of rule 102, the Cestui que trust or some of them;
(g) if there are more than one executor or administrator of trustee and they do not all concur in taking out the summons, those who do not concur;
(2) Where the summons is taken out by any person other than the executors, administrators or trustees, the said executors, administrators or trustees or some of them must be served.
(a) order that the application shall stand over for a certain time and that the executors, administrators or trustees in the meantime shall render to the applicant a proper statement of their accounts, with an intimation that if this is not done they may be made to pay the costs of the proceedings:
(b) when necessary, to prevent proceedings by other creditors or by persons beneficially interested, make the usual judgment or order for administration with a proviso that no proceedings are to be taken under such judgment or order without leave of the Court.
(a) an application for the appointment of a new trustee with or without a vesting or other consequential order;
(b) an application for vesting or other consequential order in any case where a judgment or order has been given or made for the sale, conveyance or transfer of any land or stock or the suing for or recovering any chose in action;
(c) an application for a vesting or other consequential order in any case where a judgment or order has been given or made for sale, conveyance or transfer of any land or stock or the suing for or recovering any chose in action;
(d) an application relating to a fund paid into Court.
(2) In this Order, unless the context otherwise requires:
“authorized officer” means any officer of the Registry who is for the time being authorized by law to administer any oath or take any affidavit required for any purpose connected with his duties;
“gross value” in relation to any estate means the value of the estate without deduction for debts, encumbrances, funeral expenses or estate duty;
“oath” means the oath required by this Order to be sworn by every applicant for grant;
“personal applicant” means a person other than a trust corporation who seeks to obtain a grant without employing a Legal Practitioner; and
“personal application ” has a corresponding meaning;
“Registry” or “Probate Registry” means the Probate Registry of the Court; and
“Will” includes a codicil and any testamentary document or copy or reconstruction of it.
(3) Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference in this Order to any rule or enactment shall be construed as a reference to that rule or enactment as amended, extended or applied by any other rule or enactment.
ORDER 52 – SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS FOR POSSESSION OF LANDED PROPERTY OCCUPIED WITHOUT THE
OWNER’S CONSENT
(a) a tenant: or
(b) a tenant holding over after termination of his tenancy; or
(c) a licensee of the owner of person entitled to possession; or
(d) a person who had the consent of the predecessor in title of the person who is entitled to possession, proceedings may be brought by originating summons in accordance with the provisions of this Order.
(a) his interest in the land;
(b) the circumstances in which the land has been occupied without licence or consent and in which his claim to possession arises: and
(c) that he does not know the name of any other person occupying the land who is not named in the summons.
(a) personally; or
(b) by leaving a copy of the summons and a copy of the affidavit or sending them to him at the premises; or
(c) in such other manner as the Court may direct.
(2) The summons shall, in addition to being served on the named defendants, if any, in accordance with sub-rule (1) be served, unless the Court otherwise directs, by:
(a) affixing a copy of the summons and a copy of the affidavit to the main door or other conspicuous part of the premises; and
(b) if practicable, inserting through the letter box at the premises, a copy of the summons and a copy of the affidavit enclosed in a sealed envelope addressed to “the occupiers”.
(3) Every copy of an originating summons for service under sub-rule (1) or (2) shall be sealed with the seal of the Court out of which the summons was issued.
(2) Nothing in this Order, shall prevent the Court from ordering possession to be given on a specified date, in the exercise of any power which could have been exercised if possession had been claimed in an action begun by writ.
(2) In this Order “landed property” means land with or without building thereon.
ORDER 53 – PROCEEDINGS IN FORMA PAUPERIS
2.(1) A person seeking relief under this Order, shall write an application to the Chief Judge accompanied by an affidavit, sworn to by the applicant himself, stating that by reason of poverty he is unable to afford the services of a Legal Practitioner.
(2) If in the opinion of the Chief Judge the application is worthy of consideration, the Chief Judge shall appoint a Legal Practitioner to act for the applicant.
(3) Where a Legal Practitioner is so appointed, the applicant shall not discharge the Legal Practitioner except with the leave of the Chief Judge.
(2) If the applicant pays or agrees to pay any money to any person whatsoever cither in connection with his application or the action taken or defended thereunder, the order appointing the Legal Practitioner shall be revoked.
(3) If the Legal Practitioner assigned to the applicant discovers that the applicant is possessed of means beyond those stated in the affidavit, if any, he shall at once report the matter in writing to the Registrar.
(2) Neither the applicant nor the Legal Practitioner assigned to him shall discontinue, settle or compromise the action without the leave of Court.
(2) Where no payment is made to the Legal Practitioner pursuant to sub-rule (1), he may apply to the Chief Judge for payment by the Court of a brief fee not exceeding N5,000.00
ORDER 54 – COSTS
(2) When costs are ordered to be paid, the amount of such costs shall, if practicable, be summarily determined by the Judge at the lime of making the judgment or order and stated therein.
(3) When the Judge deems it to be impracticable to determine summarily the amount of any costs which he has adjudged or ordered to be paid, all questions relating thereto shall be referred by the Judge to a taxing officer for taxation.
(2) In addition to any penalty payable for default under these Rules, the costs of and occasioned by any application to extend the time fixed by the rules or any direction or order thereunder, for delivering or filing any document or doing any other act (including the costs of any order made on the application) shall be borne by the party making the application unless the Judge otherwise orders.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of sub-rule (1), the Judge shall for the purpose of that sub-rule have regard in particular to the following matters, that is to say:
(a) the omission to do anything, the doing of which would have been calculated to save costs;
(b) the doing of anything, calculated to occasion or in manner or at a time calculated to occasion unnecessary costs;
(c) any unnecessary delay in the proceedings.
(3) The Judge may instead of giving a direction under sub-rule (1) in relation to anything done or any omission made, direct the taxing officer to inquire into it and if it appears to him that such a direction as aforesaid should have been given in relation to it, to act as if the appropriate direction had been given.
(a) disallowing the costs as between the Legal Practitioner and his clients; and
(b) directing the Legal Practitioner to pay to his client costs which the client has been ordered to pay to other parties to the proceedings; or
(c) directing the Legal Practitioner personally to indemnify such other parties against costs payable by them.
(2) Sub-rule (1) shall apply where proceedings in Court cannot conveniently proceed or fails or are adjourned without useful progress being made –
(a) because of the failure of the Legal Practitioner to attend in person or by a proper representative; or
(b) because of the failure of the Legal Practitioner to deliver any document for the use of the Court which ought to have been delivered or to be prepared with any proper evidence or account or otherwise to proceed.
(3) No order under this rule, shall be made against a Legal Practitioner unless he has been given a reasonable opportunity to appear before the Judge to show cause why the order should not be made.
(4) The Judge may direct that notice of any proceedings or order against a Legal Practitioner under this rule, shall be given to his client in such manner as may be specified in the direction.
(5) If, on the taxation of costs to be paid out of a fund, one-sixth or more of the amount of the bill for those costs is taxed off, the Legal Practitioner whose bill it is shall not be allowed the fees to which he would otherwise be entitled for drawing the bill and for attending the taxation.
(a) take an account of any dealings in money made in connection with payment of the costs being taxed, if the Judge so directs;
(b) require any party represented jointly with any other party in any proceedings before him to be separately represented;
(c) examine any witness in those proceedings;
(d) direct the production of any document which may be relevant in connection with those proceedings.
(a) extend the period within which a party is required by or under these Rules to begin proceedings for taxation or to do anything in or in connection with proceedings before that officer;
(b) where no period is specified by or under these Rules or by the Judge for the doing of anything in or in connection with such proceedings specify the period within which the thing is to be done.
(2) Where an order of the Court specifies a period within which anything is to be done by or before a taxing officer, then unless the Judge otherwise directs, the taxing officer may from time to time extend the period so specified on such terms (if any) as he deems fit.
(3) A taxing officer may extend any such period as is referred to in the foregoing provisions of this rule, although the application for extension is not made until after the expiration of that period.
(a) tax the costs which that party is liable to pay and set off the amount allowed against the amount he is entitled to be paid and direct payment of any balance; or
(b) delay the issue of a certificate of the costs he is entitled to be paid until he has paid or tendered the amount he is liable to pay.
(2) A notice under sub-rule (1) need not be given to any party who has not entered an appearance or taken any part in the proceedings which gave rise to the taxation proceedings.
(2) Before a bill of costs is left for taxation, it shall be endorsed with:
(a) the name or firm and business address of the Legal Practitioner whose bill it is; and
(b) if the Legal Practitioner is the agent of another, with the name or firm and business address of that other Legal Practitioner.
(2) The taxing officer by who any taxation proceedings are being conducted may, if he deems it necessary to do so, adjourn those proceedings from time to time.
(2) Unless the Judge otherwise directs, no further evidence shall be received on the hearing of an application under this rule and no ground of objection shall be raised which was not raised on taxation but, except as aforesaid, on the hearing of any such application the Judge may exercise all such powers and discretion as are vested in the taxing officer in relation to the subject matter of the application.
(3) On an application under this rule, the Judge may make such order as the circumstance require and in particular may order the taxing officer’s decision to be amended or except where the dispute as to the item under review is to amount only, order the item to be remitted to the same or another taxing officer for taxation.
ORDER 55 – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
(2) No fees are to be taken in respect of any matter where such fees would be payable by the Government or any Government Department;
Provided that when any person is ordered to pay the costs of the State or of a Government Department in any case, all fees which would have been payable but for the provisions of this sub-rule shall be taken as paid and shall be recoverable from such person.
(a) two Judges of the Court, one of whom shall be the Chairman;
(b) two Legal Practitioners, nominated by the Nigerian Bar Association; and
(c) two Legal Officers nominated by the Attorney-General.
(2) It shall be the duty of the Committee to advise the Chief Judge from time to time in the exercise of the powers conferred upon him under the Constitution to make rules for regulating or making provisions with respect to practice and procedure of the Court.
(3) Every member of the Committee shall remain a member thereof for such period as the Chief Judge may prescribe at the time of the appointment of the member or at anytime thereafter.
FORMS
HIGH COURT OF KOGI STATE (CIVIL PROCEDURE) RULES 2006
FORM 1
(Order 2, rule 3)
General Form of Writ of Summons
Suit No…………………………………..
[Here put the letter and number (see note (a) following this form].
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the ……………………………………………………………. Judicial Division
Between:
and
Defendant
To C. D. of………………in the…………….of……………
You are hereby commanded that within 30 days after the service of this Writ on you, inclusive of the day of such service, you do cause an appearance to be entered for you in an action at the Suit of A. B. and take notice that in default of your so doing the claimant may proceed therein and judgment may be given in your absence.
DATED this……………….day of……………………20……………
By order of the Court.
……………………………..
Registrar
Memorandum to be subscribed on the Writ:
N.B.
This Writ is to be served within six calendar months from the date thereof; or if renewed, within three calendar months from the date of the last renewal, including the date of such date and not afterwards.
The defendant may enter appearance personally or by legal practitioner either by handing the appropriate forms, duly completed at the Registry of the High Court of the Judicial Division in which the action is brought or by sending them to the Registry by registered post.
Endorsement to be made on the Writ before issue thereof.
The claimant’s claim is for,………………………………….
This Writ was issued by G. H. of……………………..whose address for service is …………………., agent for…………..of………………..
Legal Practitioner for the said plaintiff who resides at ………………………………….
(mention the City, town or district and also the name of the street and number of the house of the claimant’s residence if any)
Endorsement to be made on copy of Writ forthwith after service.
This Writ was served by me at……………..on the defendant (here insert mode of service) on the ……………..day of……………20…………
Endorsed the……………….day of……………….20……
(Signed)………………………….
(Address)………………………………………………….
NOTE:
(a) Heading and Title — if the action is for administration the Writ must be headed “In the matter of the Estate of…………………deceased.” If it is a debenture holder’s action the Writ must be headed “In the matter of the Company” and in probate action, “In the Estate of A.B., deceased.” A Writ of Summons claiming administration of a trust or settlement may be instituted “in the matter of the (Trust or settlement)”
(b) Endorsement of claim – if the claimant sues, or defendant is sued, in a representative capacity, the endorsement must state in what capacity the claimant sues or the defendant is sued. If the claim is for a debt or liquidated demand only, the endorsement, even though not special, must strictly comply with the provisions of Order 5 rule 4.
(c) Address for service:- The address must be within the jurisdiction.
(d) Address of claimant – In the case of a company in liquidation the claimant’s address should run “……………………………. claimant’s who are a company in liquidation. The liquidator is (name of liquidator), of (address of liquidator).”
In the case of a foreign corporation within the meaning of Part II Cap C20 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004 the claimants’ address should run thus; “…………………….claimants who are a foreign corporation within the meaning of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004. The registered name and address of the person to be served are (here add registered name and address).
(e) Endorsement of service- See Order 7 rule 13.
(f) Probate Actions – In these actions the endorsement of claim must show the nature of the claimant’s interest under which he claims (Order 5 rule 3): and the alleged interest of the defendant.
Before the Writ is issued the following certificate must be endorsed on it.
The Registry, High Court of Kogi State
In the ………………………………………………… Judicial Division
A sufficient affidavit in verification of the endorsement on this Writ to authorize the sealing thereof has been produced to me this ……………. day of …………………….. 20 ………….
……………………………
Registrar
FORM 2
(Order 2, rule 4)
Writ for service out of the jurisdiction.
To CD. of …………………………………… you are hereby commanded that within (here insert the number of days directed by the Court or Judge ordering the service) days after service of this Writ on you, inclusive of the day of such service, you do cause an appearance to be entered for you in the ……………………
Judicial Division of the High Court of Kogi State in an action at the Suit of A. B.; and take notice, that in default of your so doing the claimant may proceed therein and judgment may be given in your absence.
DATED this………………day of …………………. 20 …………
By order of the Court.
………………………….
Registrar
Memorandum to be subscribed on the Writ:
N.B.:
This Writ is to be served within six calendar months from the date thereof; or if renewed, within three calendar months from the date of the last renewal, including the date of such date, and not afterwards.
The defendant (or defendants) may appear hereto by entering appearance (or appearance) either personally or by legal practitioner at the Registry of the Judicial Division in which the Writ is issued.
This Writ was served (as in Form No. 1)
Endorsement to be made on the Writ before the issue thereof:
N.B.:
This Writ is to be used where the defendant or all the defendants or one or more defendant or defendants is or are out of the jurisdiction.
Note:
The above endorsement “N.B.” must be on every Writ or concurrent Writ for service out of the jurisdiction.
The endorsement “N.B.” need not be made on a Writ against defendants domiciled abroad, but whom it is intended to serve within the jurisdiction.
Endorsement:- If the claim is for a debt or liquidated demand only, the endorsement, even though not special, must strictly comply with the provisions of Order 2 rule 3, including a claim for cost.
See also notes to Form No. 1, supra.
FORM 3
(Order 2, rule 8)
General Form of Originating Summons.
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the…………………………………………..Judicial Division
Suit No……………………..
(If the question to be determined arises in the administration of an estate or a trust entitle it “In the matter of the estate or trust”)
Between:
and
Let ………………………………. of……………………………………
in ………………………………. within eight days after service of this Summons on him, inclusive of the day of such service, cause an appearance to be entered for him to this Summons which is issued upon the application of …………………………….. of ………………………………….. who claims (state the nature of the claim), for the determination of the following questions: (state the questions).
DATED this ……………….. day of ……………….. 20 …………………
This Summons was taken out by ……………………… legal practitioner for the above
named ………………………………..
FORM 4
(Order 2, rule 8)
Originating Summons
Suit No………………………..
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the………………………………………………judicial Division
In the matter of A.B. a Legal Practitioner (Re Taxation of costs etc.) (or as may be).
Let A. B. of……………………………… attend the Court, (or Chief Registrar’s Office) High Court of Kogi State on the ……….. day of…………………..20……………at 9.0’clock in the forenoon (on the hearing of an application on the part of……………………………) (State relief sought). (If for leave to enforce award under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, add, “”And that the respondent do pay the cost of this application to be taxed”.
DATED this ………………… day of ………………….20 ………..
This Summons ……………………….. was taken out by ………………………………..
Note:
It will not be necessary for you to enter an appearance in the HIGH COURT REGISTRY, but if you do not attend either in person or by your legal practitioner, at the time and place above mentioned (or at the time mentioned in the endorsement thereon), such order will be made and proceedings taken as the judge may think just and expedient.
FORM 5
(Order 2, rule 8)
Form of Ex-Parte Originating Summons
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the………………………………………………Judicial Division
Suit No…………………………………..
In the matter of A. B., an infant (or, as may be). Let all parties concerned attend before the Judge or (Chief Registrar’s Office), High Court of Kogi State, at the time specified in the margin hereof, on the hearing of an application on the part of the above named A. B., an infant, by C. D., his guardian, that (State relief sought).
This Summons was taken out by ………………………………… of …………………… agents for…………………………. of …………………………………. Legal Practitioner for the applicant.
FORM 6
(Order 6, rule 6(2))
Form of Memorandum For Renewed Originating Process
(Title as in Form No. 1)
Seal renewed originating process in this action endorsed as follows: (Copy original originating process).
The originating process renewed on the………..day of ………………….. 20 …………. Pursuant to order of court made the………………… day of
……………….. 20 ……………….. for 3 months.
…………………………………………………..
Registrar
FORM 7
(Order 8, rule 3(1)(a))
Request to Minister of Foreign Affairs to Transmit Notice of Writ to Foreign Government.
(Title as in Form No. 4)
The Chief Judge of Kogi State presents his compliments to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and encloses herewith, a Notice of Writ of Summons issued in an action of ………………… versus ………………………… pursuant to Order out of the
…………………………..Judicial Division of the High Court of Kogi State for transmission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in (name of Country) with the request that the same may be served personally upon (name of defendant to be served) against whom proceedings have been taken in the………………………..Judicial Division of the High Court of Kogi State and with the further request that such evidence of the service of the same upon the said defendant may be officially certified to the High Court of Kogi State or declared upon Oath or otherwise, in such manner as is consistent with the usage or practice of the Court of the (name of Country) in proving service of legal process.
The Chief Judge further requests that in the event of efforts to effect personal service of the said notice of writ proving ineffectual, the government or court of the said country be requested to certify the same to the High Court of Kogi State.
FORM 8
(Order 8, rule 3(1)(b))
Praecipe Request Tor Service Abroad
I (or we) hereby request that the Writ of Summons in this action be transmitted through the proper channels to (name of Country) for service (or substituted service) on the defendant (naming him) at (address of defendant) or elsewhere in (name of Country). And I (or we) hereby personally undertake to be responsible for all expenses incurred by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in respect of the service
hereby requested, and on receiving due notification of the amount of such expenses I (or we) undertake to pay the same into the High Court Registry for transmission to the Permanent-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
FORM 9
(Order 8, rule 3(1)(d))
Letter Forwarding Request For Substituted Service
The Chief Judge of Kogi State presents his compliments to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and encloses herewith a Writ of Summons in the case
of ……………………………… versus ……………………………….. in which the claimant has obtained an Order of the ………………….Judicial Division of the High Court of Kogi State (which is also enclosed) giving leave to make a request that the said Writ may be served by substituted service on the defendant ……………………… at ………………………….in the (name of Country).
The Chief Judge requests that the said Writ and order may be forwarded to the proper authority in (name of Country) with the request that the same may be transmitted by post addressed to the defendant at (the last known place of abode or the place of business) of the said defendant or there delivered in such manner as may be consistent with the usage or practice of the courts of (name of Country) for service of legal process where personal service cannot be effected; and with the further request that the same may be officially certified to the ……………………….. Judicial Division of the High Court of Kogi State or declared upon Oath or otherwise, in such manner as is consistent with the practice of the courts of the (name of Country) in proving service of legal process.
FORM 10
(Order 8, rule 4(1)(a))
Request For Service Abroad
(Title as in Form No. 1)
I (or we) hereby request that the Writ of Summons in this action be transmitted through the proper channels to (name of Country) for service (or substituted service) on the defendant (naming him) at (address of defendant) or elsewhere in (name of Country). And I (or we) hereby personally undertake to be responsible for all expenses incurred by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in respect of the service hereby requested, and on receiving due notification of the amount of such expenses I (or we) undertake to pay the same into the High Court Registry for transmission to the Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
DATED this………………….day of……………….20……….
…………………………….
Legal Practitioner
FORM 11
(Order 12, rule 12)
Receiver’s Security by Undertaking
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the…………………………………………….Judicial Division
Suit No…………………………………..
Between:
Re: …………………………….. Versus ………………………..……………………
I,……………………..…………… of ………………………… the receiver (and manager appointed by order dated………………………or proposed to be appointed) in this action hereby undertake with the court to duly account for all moneys and property received by me as such receiver (or manager) or for which I may be held liable and to pay the balances from time to time found from me and to deliver any property received by me as such receiver (or manager) at such times in such manner in all respects as the court or a judge shall direct.
And we, ………………………………hereby jointly and severally (in the use of guarantee or other company strike out “jointly and severally”) undertake with the court to be answerable for any default by the said ……………………… as such receiver (or manager) and upon such default to pay to any person or persons or otherwise as the court or a judge shall direct any sum or sums not exceeding in the whole N ………………………………… That may from time to time be certified by a Registrar of the High Court to be due from the said receiver and we submit to the jurisdiction of the court in this action to determine any claim made under this undertaking.
In the case of a surety being a company, it must be sealed or otherwise duly executed.
DATED this …………………. day of …………..………. 20………………………….…..
……………………………………… …………..…………………………..
Receiver Surety
In the case of a surety being a company, it must be sealed or otherwise duly executed.
FORM 12
(Order 12, rule 12)
Form of Guarantee For The Acts and Defaults of a Receiver.
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the ………………………………………………Judicial Division
Suit No…………………………………..
Between:
Re:…………………………………..Versus……….,…………………….
Guarantee for N……………………………………………………….
Annual Premium N……………………………………….
This Guarantee is made the……………day of……….20……….
Between (xyz) of…………………………………………………….. (hereinafter called “the Receiver”) of the first part, the above named ………………………………………. the Registered office of which is at ………………. in ………………… (hereinafter called “the Surety”) of the second part and …………………………… the Governor of Kogi State.
By an order of the High Court of Kogi State ……………………. Judicial Division dated the ……………………….. day of ……………..
20 ……………….. and made in the above-mentioned action the Receiver has been appointed to receive (and manage) (follow words of the order). And it was ordered that the Receiver should give security to the satisfaction of
the Judge on or before the ……………. day of…………… 20 ………………………
And whereas the Surety has agreed at the request of the Receiver to issue this Guarantee in consideration of the annual premium above mentioned (the first payment of which the Surety hereby acknowledges) which Guarantee has been accepted by the Judge as a proper security pursuant to the said order in testimony whereof one of the Registrars of the High Court, has signed an allowance in the
margin thereof.
NOW this Guarantee witnesses as follows:
(a) If the Receiver shall not for every successive twelve months to be computed from the date of his appointment as such Receiver as aforesaid or within fifteen days after the expiration of such twelve months pay at the office of the Surely the annual premium or sum of N…………………………….. then the Surety shall be at liberty to apply by summons in the said action to be relieved from all further liability as such Surety under this guarantee save and except in respect of any damage or loss occasioned by any act or default of the Receiver in relation to his duties as such Receiver (and manager) prior to the hearing and determination of such summons.
(b) A statement under the hand of any Registrar of the High Court of Kogi State of the amount which the Receiver is liable to pay and has not paid under this Guarantee and that the loss or damage has been incurred through the act or default of the Receiver shall be conclusive evidence in any action or information by the Governor of Kogi State against the Receiver and surety or either of them or by the Surety against the Receiver of the truth of the contents of such statement and shall constitute a binding charge not only against the Receiver and his personal representatives but also against the Surety and his funds and property without being necessary for the Governor of Kogi State to take any legal or other proceedings against the Receiver for the recovery thereof and without any further or other proof being given in that behalf in any action to enforce this guarantee.
(c) The liability of the Surety under this Guarantee is limited to the sum of N ………………………… provided nevertheless that a Registrar of the High Court may by his signature to the endorsement on this Guarantee (in the form printed thereon) reduce the said liability of the Surety still further or (but only with the consent of the surety by an instrument in writing duly executed) increase such liability as may be necessary and upon such endorsement this Guarantee shall continue in full force but in that case the premium shall be correspondingly reduced or increased.
(a) The Receiver will on being discharged from his office or on ceasing to act as such Receiver (and manager) as aforesaid forthwith give written notice thereof to the Surety by registered post and also within 7 days of such notice furnish lo the Surety free of charge an office copy of the order if any of the Judge discharging him.
(b) The Receiver and his personal representatives shall and will at all times hereafter indemnify the Surety and its property and funds against all loss, damage, costs and expenses which the Surety or its funds or property may or might otherwise sustain by reason of the Surety having executed this Guarantee at his request.
In witness whereof the Receiver has hereunder set his hand and seal and the Surety has caused its Common Seal to be affixed the ………………… day of ……………… 20 …………… in the matter of ……………..increased Liability.
To be attached by way of Endorsement to Guarantee.
The liability of the Surety under the within Guarantee has with the consent of the Receiver and the Surety been increased from N………………… to N ………………….. in respect of any acts or omissions to which the within written Guarantee relates committed by the Receiver subsequent to the date hereof the total liability of the Surety in respect of both the within written Guarantee and his endorsement being limited to the increased sum above stated.
Sealed with the seal of the Receiver and also the Common Seal of the Surety this …………………. day of …………………………… 20 ……………as evidence of such increased liability and the admission thereof by the Receiver and the Surety respectively.
Signed, sealed and delivered
By the Receiver in the presence of……………………………………
The Common Seal of the Surety was hereunto affixed in the presence of ………………………………………
FORM 13
(Order 12, rule 15)
Receiver’s Account
High Court of Kogi State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2006
Suit No……………………………………………..of 20……………….
The ……………………………… account of A.B., the receiver appointed in this cause (or, pursuant to an order made in this cause, dated the……………………..day of……………..) to receive the rents and profits of the real estate, and to collect and get in the outstanding personal estate of C.D., the testator (or, intestate) in this cause named, from the…………………………….. day of…………………
REAL ESTATE –RECEIPT
No. of Item …………………………………
Date when received …………………………………
Tenant’s name …………………………………
Description of premises …………………………………
Annual Rent …………………………………
Arrears Due At…………………………………
Amount Due At………………………………..
Amount Received …………………………………
Arrears remaining …………………………………
Due Observations …………………………………
PAYMENTS AND ALLOWANCES ON ACCOUNT OF REAL ESTATE
No. of Item Date of payment of allowance Names of persons to whom paid or allowed For
what purpose paid or allowed Amount
1.
2.
3.
One year’s insurance of due…………………………
Bill for repairs at house let to…………………………….…
Allowance for a half year’s Income Tax, due……………………………
Total payments………………………….… N
RECEIPT ON ACCOUNT OF PERSONAL ESTATE ACCOUNT PAYMENTS AND ALLOWANCES ON PERSONAL EASTATE
No. of Item ———————————————————–
Date when received —————————————————
Names of persons from whom received ——————————–
On what account received ————————————————
Amount received ———————————————————
No. of item ———————————————————-
Date when paid or allowed —————————————————
Names of persons to whom paid or allowed ——————————–
For what purpose paid or allowed —————————————
Amount paid or allowed ————————————————-
SUMMARY (N: K)
Amount of balance due from Receiver on account of real estate on last account
Amount of receipt on the above account of real estate ————————-
Balance of last paid into Court —————————————
Amount of payments and allowances on the above account of real Estate ———–
Amount of receiver’s costs of passing this account as to real estate ——————
Balance due from the Receiver’ on account of real estate —————————–
Amount of balance due from Receiver on last account of personal estate ————
Amount of receipt on the above account of personal estate —————————
Balance of last account paid into Court ——————————————–
Amount of payments and allowances on the above account of personal Estate ——
Amount of receiver’s costs of passing this account as to personal estate ————-
Balance due from the Receiver on account of personal estate ————————-
FORM 14
(Order 12, rule 16)
Affidavit Verifying Receiver’s Account
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the……………………………………….. Judicial Division
Suit No…………………….
Between:
and
I,……………………….. of……………………… the receiver appointed
………………………….. in this cause, make oath and say as follows:
2 ……………..and ……………….my Sureties named in the guarantee (or undertaking) dated…………20………..are both alive and neither of them has become bankrupt or insolvent.
Additional paragraphs as to wages and petty cash are sometimes necessary.
FORM 15
(Order 16, rule 1(1))
Memorandum of Appearance
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the……………………………………………….. Judicial Division
Suit No…………………………..
Between:
…………………………………………………………. Defendant(s)
Please enter an appearance for 1(a)……………………………….. sued as 1(b) …………………………………… in this action.
DATED this ………………….. day of …………… 20………………………
Signed………………………..
Whose address for service is ……………………………….
N.B:
Additional notes for the guidance of defendants seeking to enter an appearance are given on the back.
Please read carefully.
Notes:
1(a) A defendant appearing in person must give his residence or some other place within the Judicial Division of Kogi State to which communications tor him should be sent. Where he appears by a legal practitioner, the Legal Practitioner’s place of business.
(b) The defendant must give his or her full name.
(c) Give name by which the defendant is described in the writ if it differs from defendant’s full name, otherwise delete words “sued as”.
I, ………………………………………… acknowledge that on the ………………..day of ……………………….. 20…………….. at (time and place) received the following documents:
(a) …………………………………………..
(b)……………………………………………………………
(c )…………………………………………………………….
I also acknowledge that I am the person referred to in the sealed copy of the writ of
Summons/Originating summons.
DATED this …………………. Day of …………… 20 ……………………
…………………………..
Signature
FORM 16
(Order 18, rule 2(1))
Warrant to Arrest Absconding Defendant
(Title as in Form No. 1)
WHEREAS there is probable cause for believing that the defendant (name of defendant) is about to leave (or has) (or is about to) dispose of or remove (some part of) his property from the jurisdiction of the court by reason whereof the execution of any judgment which may be given against him in this suit is
likely to be obstructed or delayed;
You are therefore hereby commanded to bring the said defendant before this court forthwith, in order that he may show why he should not give bail bond for his appearance at any time when called upon while this suit is pending and until execution or satisfaction of the judgment (if any).
DATED this ……………………… day of ……………. 20…………
……………………………
Judge
To the Sheriff and Bailiffs of Court.
Fee on issue of this warrant is N ………………………………………..
Note:
If the defendant gives bail bond before Magistrate in the sum of N………………with sufficient surety (for his appearance as aforesaid) (or for the satisfaction of the judgments) or if he deposits with you for transmission to the court the sum of N………………….. or other property of the same or greater value, he shall thereupon, in respect of this warrant, be discharged out of your custody.
FORM 17
(Order 19, rule 3(2))
Warrant of Interim Attachment
(Title as in Form No. 1)
WHEREAS it has been shown to the satisfaction of the court that the defendant (name of defendant) with intent to obstruct or delay the execution of any judgment that may be given against him in this suit, is about to dispose of (or remove from …………………… State) or that the defendant is absent from ………………………. State (or that there is probable cause to believe that the defendant is concealing himself to evade service) and that the claimant is beneficially entitled to the debts or the property hereinafter specified;
AND WHEREAS on the……………….day of……………..20………. It was ordered that the said property should be attached forthwith, pending the defendant’s appearance (or furnishing such security) (or the said period of………………………. days has expired and the defendant (has failed to appear and) has not furnished such security);
These arc, therefore, to require and order you forthwith to seize, take into your hands (enter upon) and attach (such portion of) the ‘defendant’s property
specified on the back of this warrant (as may be of the value of N ……………..) wheresover it may be found within the …………………………… Judicial Division (except the wearing apparel and bedding on him and his family and the tools and implements of his trade to the value of N …………………..) and to hold the same until the further order of the court and to make return of what you have done under this warrant immediately on the execution thereof.
DATED this …………………… day of ……………… 20 …………………………..
………………………….
Judge
To the Sheriffs and Bailiffs of the Court
Fees on issue of this warrant.
N . : K
Application was made to the Registrar for this warrant at ………………………………. minutes past the hour of ………………………………………. in the forenoon of the day last mentioned above.
……………………………
Registrar
Endorsement
SPECIFICATION OF PROPERTY TO BE ATTACHED
Number Description Estimated value Where to be found Name of the Defendant or
person in control of defendant’s property
FORM 18
(Order 20, rule 1(3))
Form Of Order To Account And Inquiries
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the…………………………………………. Judicial Division
Suit No………………………….
BETWEEN:
A.B…………………………………………………………… Claimant
and
This court hereby orders that the following accounts and inquiry be taken and made; that is to say:
And it is ordered that the following further inquiries and accounts be made and taken; that is to say,
And it is ordered that the further consideration of this cause be adjourned and any of the parties are to be at liberty to apply as they may be advised.
Dated this…………………. day of………………………. 20 ………
……………………………………….
JUDGE
FORM 19
(Order 21, rule 3)
Form of Order Referring Proceedings to Arbitrator.
This court with the consent of all parties hereby orders that the proceedings be
referred to Arbitration of …………………………………………………
whose award to be made, shall be entered as the judgment in this action (Add any further direction given by the judge).
DATED this ………………………… day of ………………………….. 20……….
……………………….……………………
Judge
FORM 20
(Order 31, rule 1(6))
Notice of Payment Into Court
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the……………………………………………..Judicial Division
Suit No……………………………..
BETWEEN:
and
Take notice that the defendants ………………………………….. have paid into court N …………………… and say that (…………………..part of) that sum is enough to satisfy the claimant’s claim (for N…………………. the other part of) that sum is enough to satisfy the claimant’s claim (for N………………..the other part of that sum is enough to satisfy the claimant’s claim for………………)
DATED this…………………….day of………………………..20………..
To X. Y.; the claimant’s Legal Practitioner and to Mr. R. S. Legal Practitioner for the defendant E. F.
(To be tiled in by the Cashier, High Court)
Received the above sum of ……………. Naira ……………… .kobo…………………into court in this action.
DATED this.………………day of……………………..20…………….
FORM 21
(Order 31, rules 2(1) and 4(4))
Acceptance Of Sum Paid Into Court
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the…………………………………………… Judicial Division
Suit No…………………..
BETWEEN:
and
Take notice that the claimant accepts the sum of N …………………… paid by the defendant (C. D.) into court in satisfaction of the claim in respect of which it was paid in (and abandons his other claims in the action)
DATED this…………………….day of………………………..20………..
———————————————-
To:
Mr. P. Q. Legal Practitioner for the defendant C. D. and Mr. R. S. Legal Practitioner for the defendant E. F.
FORM 22
(Order 31, rule 4(2))
Acceptance Of Sum Paid Into Court By One Of Several Defendants
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the…………………………………………… Judicial Division
Suit No…………………..
BETWEEN:
and
Take Notice that the claimant accepts the sum of N………………………………paid by the defendant CD into Court in satisfaction of his claim against the defendant CD.
DATED this…………………….Day of……………………..20……………………….
XY Claimant’s Legal Practitioner.
To
Mr. P Q, Legal Practitioner for the defendant CD; and Mr. R S Legal Practitioner for the defendant E F.
FORM 23
(Order 33, rule 2(1))
Hearing Notice For Pre-trial Conference
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the………………………………………………………..Judicial Division
Suit No…………………..
BETWEEN:
and
To (insert name of parties)………………………………………………………..Take notice that you are required to attend the court No……………..at the High Court of Kogi State at the …………………….. Judicial Division, on the………………day of…………20………at 9.0’clock in the forenoon, for a Pre-trial Conference for the purposes set out hereunder:
(b) giving such directions as to the future course of the action as appear best adopted to secure its just and expeditious disposal;
(c) promoting amicable settlement of the case or adoption of alternative dispute resolution.
Take Notice that if you do not attend in person or by Legal Practitioner at the time and place mentioned, such proceeding will be taken and such order will be made as the court may deem just and expedient.
DATED this…………………….day of………………………..20………………………
…………………..
Registrar.
FORM 24
(Order 32, rule 2(2))
Pre-Trial Information Sheet.
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the …………………………………………………. Judicial Division
Suit No…………………..
BETWEEN:
and
This Pre-Trial Information sheet is intended to include referent to all applications which the parties would wish to make at the pre-trial conference. Applications not covered by the standard questions raised in this pre-trial information sheet should be entered under item 12 below.
A part shall, not later than seven days before the first Pre-trial conference, file and serve on all other parties:
(a) all applications in respect of matters to be dealt with before trial including but not limited to the maters listed hereunder;
(b) written answers to the questions contained in this Pre-trial Information Sheet.
DATED this…………………….day of………………………..20………..
Signed…………………………………………..
(Legal Practitioner for the………………..)
For Service on:
……………………………………..
FORM 25
(Order 34, rule 2)
Interrogatories
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the……………………………………………….Judicial Division
Suit No………………….
BETWEEN:
and
Interrogatories on behalf of the above-named (Claimant or defendant CD.) for the examination of the above-named (defendants E.F.; and G.H.; or Claimant).
(The defendant E.F. is required to answer the interrogatories numbered ……………………………)
(The defendant G. H. is required to answer the interrogatories numbered …………………………….)
DATED this ……………………… day of …………………………. 20 ………………………..
……………………………….
Party/Legal Practitioner.
FORM 26
(Order 34, rule 6)
Answer To Interrogatories
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the…………………………………………………………….Judicial Division
Suit No…………………………..
BETWEEN:
and
The answer of the above-named defendant E.F.; to the interrogatories for his examination by the abovenamed Claimant.
In answer to the said interrogatories, I the above-named E. F. make oath and say as follows:
I, the above-named defendant E.F.; do hereby solemnly swear by Almighty God that this is my named and handwriting and that the facts deposed by me in this affidavit are the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
……………………………………
Deponent
Dated this……………………….day of………………………..20………………..
Before me:
………………………………………..
Commissioner for Oaths.
FORM 27
(Order 34, rule 8 (3))
Affidavit As To Documents
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the . …………………………………………………Judicial Division
Suit No…………………..
BETWEEN:
and
I, the above-named defendant CD. make oath and say as follows:
Date:…………………………………………………….
Deponent
(ILLITERATE JURAT)
……………………………..
……………………………..
……………………………..
Sworn to at High Court Registry, this…………day of…………..20…………….
Before me:
……………………………….
Commissioner for Oaths.
FORM 28
(Order 39, rule 7(a))
Legal Practitioner’s Undertaking As To Expenses
I (or we) hereby undertake to be responsible for all expenses incurred by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in respect of the letter of request issued herein on the …………………………….and on receiving due notification of the amount of such expenses undertake to pay the same as directed by the Chief Registrar of the High Court.
The following have been appointed as agents for the parties in connection with the execution of the above letter of request.
Claimant’s Agent……………………………………… of ………………………………..
Defendant’s Agent……………………………………..of………………………………
DATED this…………………day of……………………….20…………………………
…………………………….
Legal Practitioners for
………………………..….
…………………………
FORM 29
(Order 39, rule 7(b)) Letter of Request To Take Evidence Abroad (Convention Country)
To the competent Judicial Authority of ……………………………………………………… in the ……………………………… of ………………………………………………………….
Whereas a civil (commercial) action is now pending in the ……………………………. Judicial Division of the High Court of Kogi State, Nigeria, in which …………………… is the claimant and ……………………………………………………… is the defendant.
And in the said action the claimant claims …………………………………………………
And whereas it has been represented to the said court that it is necessary for the purpose of justice and for the due determination of the matters in dispute between the parties, that the following persons should be examined as witnesses upon oath touching such matters, that
is…………………………………………… of ……………………………….. and ……………………………………….. of …………………………………………….. and it appears that such witnesses are resident within your jurisdiction.
Now, I the Chief Judge of the High Court of Kogi State, Nigeria, have the honour to request and do hereby request, that for the reasons aforesaid and for the assistance of the said court, you will be pleased to summon the said witnesses (and such other witnesses as the agents of the said claimant and defendant shall humbly request you in writing so to summon) to attend at such time and place as you shall appoint before you or such other person as according to your procedure is competent to take the examination of witnesses and that you will cause such witnesses to be examined (upon the interrogatories which accompany this letter of request and viva voce) touching the said matters in question in the presence of the agents of the claimant and defendant of such of them as shall, on due notice given, attend such examination.
And I further have the honour to request that your will permit the agents of both the said claimant and defendant or such of them as shall be present to be at liberty to examine (upon interrogatories and viva voce upon the subject matter thereof or arising out of the answers thereto) such witnesses as may after *due notice in writing be produced on their behalf and give liberty to the other party to cross-examine the said witnesses (upon cross-interrogatories and viva voce and the party producing the witness for examination at liberty to re-examine him viva voce.
And I further have the honour to request that you will be pleased to cause (the answers of the said witnesses and all additional viva voce questions, whether on examination, cross examination or reexamination) the evidence of such witnesses to be reduced into writing and all books, letters, papers and documents produced upon such examination to be duly marked for identification, and that you will be
further pleased to authenticate such examination by the seal of your tribunal or in such other way as is in accordance with your procedure and to return the same together with (the interrogatories and crossinterrogatories and) a note of the charges and expenses payable in respect of the execution of this request, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from whom the same was received for transmission to the said High Court of Kogi State.
And I further request that you will cause me, or the agents of the parties if appointed, to be informed of the date and place where the examination is to take place.
DATED this …………….. day of ……………….. 20…………………………………….
……………………………………….
Chief Judge of Kogi State, Nigeria
* This refers to a notice given by the Legal Practitioner having conduct of the action.
FORM 30
(Order 39, rule 8)
Order for Appointment Of The Nigerian Diplomatic Agent As Special Examiner (in Convention Country) Upon hearing the Legal Practitioners on both sides and upon reading the affidavit of ………………….. dated …………………………………………..
It is ordered that the Nigerian Diplomatic Agent or his Deputy at………………..be appointed as Special Examiner for the purpose of making the examination, cross-examination, and re-examination, viva voce, on oath or affirmation, of …………………… witnesses on the part of the ……………………………. at …………………………………. aforesaid. The examiner shall be at liberty to invite the attendance of the said witnesses and the production of documents, but shall not exercise any compulsory powers, otherwise such examination shall be taken in accordance with the Kogi State of Nigeria High Court Procedure.
The ………………………………….. Legal Practitioners to give to the …………………. Legal Practitioners …………………………….. days notice in writing of the date on which they propose to send out this order to……………………… for execution and that…………………….days after the service of such notice the Legal Practitioners for the claimants and defendants respectively do exchange the names of their agents at……………………… to whom notice relating to the examination of the said witnesses may be sent.
That………………………………………… days (exclusive of Sunday) prior to the examination of any witness hereunder notice of such examination shall be given by the agent of the party on whose behalf such witness is to be examined to the agent of the other party unless such notice be dispensed with). That the depositions when take together with any documents refereed to therein or certified copies of documents or of extracts therefrom, be transmitted by the examiner, under seal to the Chief Registrar of the High Court, Kogi State, Nigeria, on or before the…………………….day of………………….next, or such further or other day as may be ordered, there to be tiled in the proper office. That either party be at liberty to read and give such depositions in evidence on the trial of this action, saving all just-exceptions.
That the trial of this action be stayed until the filing of such depositions. That the cost of and incident to this application and such examination be costs in the action.
Note:
If the convention requires that the invitation or notice of the witnesses must expressly state that no compulsory powers may be used, this requirement must be complied with.
……………………
Judge.
FORM 31
(Order 39, rule 20)
Form of Praecipe
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the ………………………………………………………Judicial Division
Suit No…………………..
Between:
and
Seal Writ of Subpoena …………………………………………… on behalf of the …………………… directed to ……………….. returnable ……………….
DATED this ……………………. day of …………………….. 20 ……………………………
(Signed)………………………………………………….
(Address):……………………………………………….
Legal Practitioner for the ……………………………….
……………………………..……..
Judge.
FORM 32
(Order 39, rule 21)
Subpoena Ad Testificandum
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the ………………………………………………………. Judicial Division
Suit No……………….
BETWEEN:
………………………………………………………………………………..Claimant
and
……………………………………………………………………………..Defendants
To …………………………………… of ………………………………………………..
Your are commanded in the name of the Governor of Kogi State to attend before this Court at ……………………….. on ………………… the ……………..day of…………………………..20………at……………O’clock in the forenoon and so from day to day till the above cause is tried, to give evidence on behalf of the……………….
DATED this……………………….day of……………………..20………..
………………..
Judge
FORM 33
(Order 39, rule 21)
Habeas Corpus Ad Testificandum
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the ……………………………………………… Judicial Division
Suit No…………..
BETWEEN:
…………………………………………………………………………………………Claimant and
…………………………………………………………………………….Defendants
You are commanded in the name of the Governor of Kogi State to have ………………………….., who it is said is detained in your custody in prison, at ……………… before the court………………. at……………. on …………. the ……………… day of………………. 20……….at …………… 0’clock in the forenoon and so from day to day until the above action is tried, to give evidence in the above-named cause and immediately after the said ………… shall have so given his evidence you shall duly conduct him to the prison from which he has been brought.
DATED this ……………………. day of ……………………….. 20 ……………………..
…………………………………………
Judge.
FORM 34
(Order 39, rule 21)
Subpoena Duces Tecum
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the………………………………………………Judicial Division
Suit No …………………..
BETWEEN:
………………………………………………………………….Claimant
and
……………………………………………………………….Defendants
To ………………………………………….. of …………………………………………………
You are commanded in the name of the Governor of Kogi State to attend the court at ……………. on …………. the ……………… day of ………………. 20……….at the hour of……………0’clock in the forenoon and so from day to day until the above action is tried, to give evidence on behalf of the …………………………and also to bring with you and produce at the time and place aforesaid
……………………………………………………………………….
(Specify documents to be produced)
DATED this…………………….day of…………………….20…………….
…………….……………………..
Judge.
FORM 35
(Order 42, rule 15)
General Form (Title as in Form 1.)
Suit No…………………………………
BETWEEN:
…………………………………………………………………………. Claimant
and
…………………………………………………………………………… Defendants
upon hearing ………………………………. and upon reading the affidavit of ……………………………………………………………. filed on the ……………………….. day of……………………….20……………………
It is ordered ………………………………………………………. and that the defendant ………………………………………………….. do pay the claimant N ……………………. cost (or cost to be taxed).
The above cost have been taxed and allowed at N………………………………..as appears by a taxing officer’s certificate dated the……………………………………day of………………………….20………
DATED this ……………………. day of ………………………..20……..
……………………………………….
Judge.
FORM 36
(Order 43, rule 6(2))
Praecipe of Writ of execution.
Claimant’s name in full …………………………………………………………….
His residence and occupation or description ……………………………………….
Full names and addresses (or other sufficient identification) of all defendants with their occupations, if known………………………………………………………………….
Name of defendant against whom order of commitment was made
……..………………………………………………………………………………..…………
Note: A separate order or warrant must be issued against every defendant required to be arrested.
His addresses and occupation or description………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………… apply for the issue of ………………………………………………………
I am aware that if I do not prove to the satisfaction of the court at the hearing that the defendant has or has had since the date of the judgment/order, the means to pay the sum in respect of which he has made default, I may have to pay the costs of this summons.
……………………………………………….
Judgment Creditor/Legal Practitioner for
Judgment/Creditor/Legal Practitioner’s Address
To be filled up by the Registrar if payment has been ordered through the Court:-
Ledger Folio: Date of Judgment/Order
Order
Committed on ……………………………….. for ……………………………….
Order suspended for……………………on payment of………………………….
Subsistence allowance ……………………….Per diem …………………. to be paid before issue of warrant.
Date and time of application; the…………….day of………………20………
At ……………h……………….m.
Sum in payment of which defendant has made default a the time of the issue of the Judgment summons …………………………………………………..
Amount for which writ to issue by leave of Court ………………………..
Fees and costs on issue and hearing of judgment summons……………..
Draw amount paid since issue of judgment summons …………………………
Fees on issue of this process …………………………………………………………….
Travelling expenses to be paid or tendered to defendant ………………………
Total amount for which………………………………………………..is to be issued
Unsatisfied cost of execution not included above and not payable out of moneys paid into Court except under the execution against the goods of the defendant.
FORM 37
(Order 45, rule 9)
Writ Of Habeas Corpus Subjuciendum
To the Director of the Prison at………………………………………………………..
You are hereby ordered to have in the High Court of Justice (or before a Judge in Chambers) at …………………….. on the day and at the time specified in the notice service with this writ, the body of……………………. being taken and detained under your custody as is said, together with a statement of the day and cause of his being taken and detained, by whatsoever name he may be called therein, that the court may then and there examine and determine whether such cause is legal and have you there then this writ.
…………………………………….
Judge of the High Court of Kogi State.
Dated this………………….day of…………………………20…………………
ENDORSEMENT
By order of Court (or of Honourable Justice…………………………)
This writ was issued by……………..of……………….….Legal Practitioner for …………………………………………………………………………………………………
FORM 38
(Order 45, rule 9)
Notice To Be Served With Writ of Habeas Corpus ad Subjiciendum
Whereas this court (or the Honourable Justice ……………………………) has granted a Writ of habeas corpus directed to ……………………… (or other person having the custody of ………………………. if so) commanding him to have the body of ……………………….. before the said court (or before the Judge in chambers) at the…………………High Court on the day and at the time specified in this notice, together with a statement of the day and cause of his being taken and detained;
Take notice that you are required by the said writ to have the body of the said ……………… before this court (or before the judge aforesaid) on ………… the ……………. day of………………..20………at………………..0’clock before noon and to make a return to the said writ.
In default, thereof, the said court will then, or so soon thereafter as counsel can be heard, be moved to commit you to prison for your contempt in not obeying the said writ (or if in vacation, application will then be made to one of the judges of the said court for a warrant for your arrest in order that you may be held to bail to answer for your contempt in not obeying the said writ).
Dated this ……………………… day of …………………… 20 …………………………..
……………………………………………….
Judge of the High Court of Kogi State.
FORM 39
(Order 45, rule 9)
Writ of Habeas Corpus ad testificandum
To the Director of the prison at ………………………………………………..
You are hereby commanded to have before……………………..(give description of court) on ……. the……….. day of …………….. 20………. at …….. 0’clock in the forenoon, the body of …………………… being committed and detained in the Federal Prison at ………………… under your custody, as is said, then and there to testify to the truth and give evidence on behalf of…………………….. against ………………….. for…………………. (description of office or other proceeding) and so from day to day until the said ……………………… shall have given his evidence as aforesaid. And when he shall have given his evidence, then you take him back without delay to the said prison under your custody and cause him to be detained therein under safe, until he shall be from thence discharged by due course of law.
………………………….
Judge/Magistrate
By order of……………………………………………………………..
ENDORSEMENT
This writ was issued by …………………………….. of ………………………
Legal Practitioner for ………………………………………………………………..
FORM 40
(Order 48, rule 2(4))
Notice Of Appeal
In The District Court of the……………………………………………….District
Vs.
Take notice that the claimant (or defendant as the case may be) A. B. (or C. D.; name the party who is appealing) appeals from the judgment (or order, or decision) dated the………. day of…………… 20……… in the above proceedings.
And further take notice that this grounds of appeal are: ………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Dated this …………… day of ………………………. 20 …………………………………..
……………………………….
To C. D. (or A.B.)
Of ………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Note
This notice must he filed with the registrar of the District Court within a month of the decision appealed from and served on all parties affected by the appeal within that period.
The grounds of appeal should be given in full.
FORM 41
(Order 50, rule 2)
Order For Payment Of Principal Money or Interest
Secured By Mortgage Or Charge.
It is ordered that the claimant do recover against the defendant N ………. secured by a mortgage (or charge) dated the ……………. day of ………………….. 20 ……….. (being the total of the principal sum of N ………………………….. and N for interest thereon at N per cent, per annum less tax to the day of (date of order) and N……………………………………………… for cost (or his costs of the summons to be taxed).
And it is ordered that upon the defendant paying to the claimant the moneys ordered to be recovered and all other moneys (if any) secured to the claimant by the said mortgage (or charge) the claimant (subject and without prejudice to the due exercise of any power of sale for the time being vested in him) do release to the defendant the security constituted by the said mortgage (or charge).
And it is ordered that all parties be at liberty to apply to the court as they may be advised.
Dated this…………………..day of………………………….20………………………..
………………………………..………………
Judge.
FORM 42
(Order 50, rule 2)
Order For Possession Of Property Forming A Security For Payment
To The Claimant Of Any Principal Money Or Interest.
It is ordered that the defendant do give the claimant possession on or before the ………………. day of ………….. 20 …………. of the land hereinafter described and comprised in mortgage (or charge) dated the………….day of ……………… 20 ………… that is to say ………………………… (description of the property).
AND it is ordered that claimant do recover against the defendant the sum of N ……………………. for costs (or his cost of this summons to be taxed).
AND it is ordered that upon the defendant paying to the claimant the moneys remaining due to the claimant upon the security of the said mortgage (or charge) the claimant (subject and without prejudice to the due exercise of any power of sale for the time being vested in him) do re-deliver to the defendant possession of the property subject to the said mortgage (or charge) and release to the defendant the security constituted by the said mortgage (or charge).
AND it is ordered that all parties be at liberty to apply to the court as they may be advised.
Dated this………………day of……………………………..20………….
………………………………..………….
Judge.
FORM 43
(Order 50, rule 2)
Order For Payment Of Principal Money Or Interest Secured By Mortgage Or Charge And For Possession Of Property Comprised Therein.
It is ordered that the claimant do recover against the defendant N………… secured by a mortgage (or charge) dated the………day of………..20……….. (being the total of the principal sum of N……….and N…………. for interest therein at …………. Percent per annum less tax to the ………….. day of (date of order), and N ………… for costs (or his costs of this summons to be taxed).
AND it is ordered that the defendant do give the claimant possession on or before the…………day of……….20…………of the land hereinafter described and comprised in the said mortgage (or charge) that is to say ……………… (description of the property).
AND it is ordered that upon the defendant paying to the claimant the moneys hereby ordered to be recovered and all other moneys (if any) secured to the claimant by the said mortgage (or charge) the claimant (subject and without prejudice to the due exercise of any power of sale for the time being vested in him) do re-deliver to the defendant possession of the property subject to the said mortgage (or charge) and release to the defendant the security constituted by the said mortgage (or charge).
AND it is ordered that all parties be at liberty to apply to the court as they may be advised.
Dated this………………………….Day of………………………..20…………
…………………………..………
Judge.
FORM 44
(Order 51, rule 35(3))
Surety’s Guarantee
In the High Court of Kogi State
Suit No……………
Probate Registry
In the Estate of……………………………..………………..deceased
Whereas ………………………….. of………………….. died on the …………. day of
…………….. 20 …………… and ………………. (and …………………..)
(hereinafter called “the Administrators” is/are the intended administrator(s) of his estate.
Now therefore:
(and…………………………………..of………………………………………………………)
hereby (jointly and severally) guarantee that I/WE will, when lawfully required to do so, make good any loss which any person interested in the administration of the estate of the deceased may suffer in consequence of the breach by the administrator(s) of his/her/their duty-
(a) to collect and get in the estate of the deceased and administer it according to law;
(b) when required to do so by the court to exhibit on oath in the court a full inventory of the estate and when so required, to render an account of the estate; or
(c) when so required by the court to deliver up the grant to the court.
DATED this…………………day of……………………20……………..
Signed, sealed and delivered by the above named in the presence of ……………….. a commissioner for oaths (or other person authorized by law to administer an oath).
(The common seal of the presence of………………….was hereunto affixed in presence of……………………………)
………………………
……………………….
(Signed)
FORM 45
(Order 51, rule 69(3)(c))
Surety’s Guarantee On Application For Resealing.
In the High Court of Kogi State
Suit No…………
Probate Registry
In the Estate of …………………………………………………………. deceased.
Whereas ………………………………. of …………………….. died on the …………………… day of …………………………… 20 …………… and letters of administration of his estate were on the ………………… day of………….. 20 ………… granted by the ……………… to ………………… (and……………..) and are about to be scaled in the state and under the Succession Law:
Now therefore:
(and…………………………………..,,,,,of…………………………………..)
(and……………………………………. ,,of…………………………………..)
hereby (jointly and severally) guarantee that I/WE will, when lawfully required to do so, make good any loss which any person interested in the administration of the estate of the deceased may suffer in consequence of the breach by the administrator(s) of his/her/her duty-
(a) to collect and get in the estate of the deceased which is situated in the state and administer it according to law; and
(b) when required to do so by the court, to exhibit on oath in the court a full inventory of the estate which is situated in the state and when so required, to render an account of the estate.
DATED this………………day of……………………….20………
Signed, sealed and delivered by the above named in the presence of………. a commissioner for oaths (or other person authorized by law to administer an oath).
(The common seal of…………………………………..was hereunto affixed in the presence of……………………………….)
…………………..
…………………..
(Signed)
FORM 46
(Order 51, rule 71(3) & (4))
Caveat
In the High Court of Kogi State
Suit No……………..
Probate Registry
Let no grant be sealed in the Estate of ……………………………. late of
……………………… who died on the …………………………………. day of
……………………..20……………….without notice to……………………….
DATED this …………….. day of…………………………. 20 …………….
(Signed)……………………………………………..Legal Practitioner for the said Caveator whose address for service is………………………………………………
FORM 47
(Order 51, rule 71(8))
Warning To Caveator
In the High Court of Kogi State
Suit No……….
Probate Registry
To:………………………………………………………….
of…………………………………………………………………. a party who has entered a caveat in the estate of…………………………………….deceased.
You are hereby warned within 8 days after service hereof upon you, inclusive of the day of such service-
And take notice that in default of your so doing the court may proceed to issue a grant of probate or administration in the said estate notwithstanding your caveat.
DATED this…………………….day of…………………………20………
…………………
Registrar.
Issued at the instance of (here set out the name and interest including the date of the will, if any under which the interest arose) the party warning, the name of his legal practitioner and the address for service. If the party warning is acting in person, this must be stated.
FORM 48
(Order 51, rule 71(9))
Appearance To Warning Or Citation
In the High Court of Kogi State
Suit No……………..
Probate Registry
Caveat No: ………………… dated this ………… day of ………… 20 …………..
Full name and address of person warning (or citor): …………………………………….
Interest of person warning (or citor):………………………………………………………..
Full name and address of Caveator (or person cited) ………………………………………….……..
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Date of Will:…………………………………………………………………………………..
Interest of Caveator:…………………………………………………………………………
Enter an appearance for the above named Caveator (or person cited) in this matter.
Dated this …………………….. day of ………………………… 20 ……………………….
Signed ……………………….
whose address for service is:
……………………………….
………………………………..
…………………………………
Legal Practitioner (or ‘in person’)
FORM 49
(Order 51, rule 82)
Notice Of Election To Redeem Life Interest
In the High Court of Kogi State
Suit No………………….
Probate Registry
In the Estate of ……………………………………….. deceased.
Whereas ……………………….. of……………… died on the …………………. day of ………………………. 20 …………….. wholly/partially intestate leaving his/her lawful wife/husband and ……………………… lawful issue of the said
And whereas Probate/Letters of Administration of the Estate of the said ………………… were granted to me, the said ……………………………….. (and to ………………………. of ……………………………) at the Probate
Registry on the ………………….day of …………………………. 20 ………….
And whereas (the said …………………………….. has ceased to be a personal representative because……………………………….) and I am now the sole personal representative.
Now, I, the said …………………………………………hereby give notice that I elect to redeem the life interest to which I am entitled in the estate of the …………………………………… late ……………………………… by retaining
N …………….. its capital value, and N ………………….. the cost of the transaction.
DATED this………………..day of………………………..20………….
(Signed)……………………
(To the Probate Registrar).
FORM 50
(Order 52, rule 2)
Originating Summons For Possession
In the High Court of Kogi State
In the ………………………………………………Judicial Division
Suit No……………..
BETWEEN:
and
To (C.D. and) every (other) person in occupation of………………………
Let all persons concerned attend before……………………………….at the High Court of the………………………Judicial Division, Kogi State on the ………. day of ……………………. 20 ……………… at 9.0’clock in the forenoon for the hearing of an application by A. B. for an order that he do recover possession of …………………… on the ground that he is entitled to possession and that the person(s) in occupation is (arc) in occupation without his licence or consent.
DATED this …………………… day of ………………………20………..
This summons was taken out by ………………………………………………………….. Of ……………………. Legal Practitioner for the said claimant whose address is …………………… (or this summons was taken out by……………………….of
……………………………….. for………………………………………… of
……………………………… Legal Practitioner for the said claimant whose address is ……………………………….) (or when the claimant acts in person).
This summons was taken out by the said claimant who resides at ……………………………and is (state occupation) and (if the claimant does not reside within the jurisdiction) whose address for service is……………………….
Note:
Any person occupying the premises who is not named as a defendant by this summons may apply to the court personally or by legal practitioner to be joined as defendant. If a person occupying the premises does not attend personally or by legal practitioner at the time and place above mentioned, such order will be made as the court may think just and expedient.
FORM 51
(Order 52, rule 6(1))
Order For Possession
(Title as in Form No. 1)
Upon hearing ………………………… and upon reading the affidavit of …………………………………..filed on the …………………….. day of
…………………… 20 …………….. it is ordered that the claimant A. B. do recover possession of the land described in the originating summons as …………………………………………… (and the defendant……………………. do give possession of the said land on……………) (and that the defendant …………………………. do pay the claimant N………… costs (or costs to be taxed).
(The above costs have been taxed and allowed at N…………………………as appears by a taxing officer’s certificate dated the ……………………….. day of ……………….. 20………………..)
DATED this …………………….. day of ………………. 20 ………………………
……………………………………………….
Judge.
FORM 52
REGISTRAR’S PROCESS BOOK
High Court of the ………………………………….Judicial Division
No. of suit
Claimant
Defendant
Nature of Writ
Issued for
Issued against
Date Time Hours Minutes a.m p.m
Registrar’s signature
FORM 53
Certificate of the Chief Registrar.
PARTIES
Pursuant to the directions given to me by Hon. Justice……………………..
I hereby certify that the result of the accounts and inquiries which has been taken and made in pursuance of the judgment (or order) in this cause dated the ………. day of …………………..,……………. is as follows:
N.B.:
The above numbers are to correspond with the number in the order after each statement: the evidence produced is to be stated as follows:
The evidence produced on this account (or inquiry) consists of the following document ………………… filed on ………………. day of ……………………… 20 …………………… of the affidavit of C. D., filed……………………………….
FORM 54
(Order 43)
Writ Of Attachment And Sale Against Immovable Property
To C. D.,of………………………………………………………………………,
AND WHEREAS no movable properly of the defendant (or claimant) can with reasonable diligence be found sufficient to satisfy the judgment (or order).
AND WHEREAS upon the application of the claimant (or defendant) it was ordered on the …………………….. day of ……………… 20 ……………… that writ of attachment and sale should issue against immovable property of the defendant (or claimant) for the sum of N ……….. (being part of the sum of N …………………. (judgment debt or party thereof ordered to be levied or claimant’s cost, or as the case may be) remaining unpaid.
These are therefore to require and order you forthwith to make the levy the said sum of N…………………together with the costs of this writ and the cost of executing it, by entering upon the attaching the immovable property of the defendant (or claimant) wheresoever it may be found within the………………… Judicial Division and by selling it and to bring what you shall have so levied into court and to make return of what you have done under this writ immediately upon the execution thereof.
Note:
The immovable property is not to be sold until after the end of 14 days next following the day on which the attachment has been made.
……………………
Registrar.
FORM 55
(Order 56, rule 9)
Regulations Regarding Fees
(a) all fees payable thereon shall have been paid, and
(b) an account thereof, initialed as received, shall have been set forth by the officer issuing the process both in the margin and in the counterfoil thereof.
FORM 56
(Order 55, rule 8(1))
Fees Payable At The High Court
(a) not exceeding N 100,000.00 1,000.00
(b) exceeding N 100,000.00 but not above N500,000.00 2,000.00
(c) exceeding N 500,000.00 but not above N1.000,000.00 5,000.00
(d) exceeding N1,000,000 per N4100,000.00 or part thereof 250.00
(e) Maximum fee 20,000.00
(f) Claim in foreign currency shall be converted into the local currency and assessed as above.
(On amendment of claim: where the sum claimed is increased, assessment shall be on the difference between the initial sum claimed and the amended sum)
(a) Initial fee 1,000.00
(b) Second fee (payable before setting down for judgment) per N100.00 or part thereof found due in excess of N 200.00 1,000.00
(c) Maximum fee 3,500.00
(a) Originating summons 1,000.00
(b) Oaths 50.00
(c) Filing 100.00
(d) Double sealing 200.00
(e) Each exhibit 20.00
(f) Service as per distance but not less than 50.00
(a) Motion on Notice 200.00
(b) Oaths 50.00
(c) Filing 50.00
(d) Sealing 100.00
(e) Each exhibit 20.00
(f) Service as per distance but not less than 50.00
(a) Motion on Notice 200.00
(b) Oaths 50.00
(c) Filing 50.00
(d) Sealing 100.00
(e) Each exhibit 20.00
(f) Service as per distance but not less than 50.00
(a) Where the rent value does not exceed N100.000.00 ——–1,000.00
(b) Where the rent value exceeds N 100,000.00 per N 10,000.00 or part thereof ——– 200.00, Maximum Fee 5,000.00
(a) Where the gross value of the property does not exceed N 500,000.00 or part thereof ——————–2,000.00
(b) Exceeding N 500,000.00 per N 500,000.00 or part up to N 5,000,000.00 ———————-1,500.00 Maximum fee 20,000.00
(a) Where the gross value of the property of the deceased or of the property under trust does not exceed N 500,000.00 1,000.00
(b) Where it exceeds N 500.000.00 per N 100,000 or part 200.00
(c) Where no gross value can be specified 7,000.00 Maximum fee 10,000.00
MATRIMONIAL CAUSES
PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION
(a) does not exceed N500.000.00 500.00
(b) exceeds N500.000.00 but not N1,000,000.00 . 700.00
(c) exceeds N1,000,000 for each additional N 500,000.00 or part thereof 200.00
(a) if no notice 200.00
(b) if ex-parte 200.00
(c) if accompanied by other papers same as payable under items 4, 5, & 6
TRANSFER OF CASES
APPEALS
ALLOWANCES TO WITNESSES
NOTARIES FEES OF OFFICE
TRANSLATIONS
FEES FOR REGISTRATION OF JUDGMENTS
REGISTRATION OF A CAVEAT
MADE at Lokoja this 23rd Day of October, 2006
Umaru Eri, OFR
Chief Judge of Kogi State