The Ogun State Small Claims Court was established on the 1st of June, 2020.
The six (6) small claims Courts operational in Ogun State are located in:
- Abeokuta
- Ilaro
- Ijebu- Ode
- Ifo
- Sagamu
- Ota
The primary purpose of the small claims court is to provide an informal, inexpensive forum for speedy resolution of simple debt recovery disputes, demands and damages in the Magistrates’ Courts in Ogun State. Jurisdiction of the small claims court in Ogun State is limited to actions for the recovery of money; i.e. simple debt recovery disputes
In Ogun State, the monetary jurisdiction of the small claims’ court is N1, 000,000 (One Million Naira) excluding interest and cost.
Parties may represent themselves in proceedings at the Small Claims Court. Partnerships and Registered Companies can be represented by either a Partner, Company Secretary or any other Principal Officer of the Partnership or Company.
To commence an action, the Claimant must have served the Defendant a Letter of Demand as in Form SCA1. Action is commenced by claim upon completion of Small Claims Complaint Form (Form SCA2). The Registrar shall then issue Summons (Form SCA3). Claimant shall pay the appropriate filing fee to the Small Claims Registry. Summons shall be served within 7 days of filing, however where the Sheriff is unable to serve, the Claimant shall apply for an Order of Substituted Service by filing Form SCA7 supported by an Affidavit. Upon service of summons, the Defendant shall file his defence, or admission or counter-claim within 7 days by completing Form SCA5. The Claimant may file a Reply within 5 days of the service of the Defendant’s Defence.
The entire hearing period from the first date of hearing, inclusive of the time allowed for exploring amicable settlements must not exceed 30 days. The entire period of proceedings from filing till judgment must also not to exceed 60 days. Adjournments are granted only in exceptional circumstances and may not be granted more than once to a party during the entire proceedings. In order to ensure that these timelines are strictly observed, determination on interlocutory applications is reserved and forms part of the judgment of the court.
Where there is default of paying judgment sum within fourteen (14) days from delivery of the judgment, any of the relevant methods of enforcement of monetary judgment shall commence.
A party can file Notice of Appeal within 14 days of delivery of the Judgment and if necessary, file an application for stay of execution. The Records of Appeal must be be compiled within 14 days of submission of Form SCA 8. The appeal is then assigned to a Judge of the Fast Track Appellate Court designated to hear Appeals from the Small Claims Court.