UNDERSTANDING THE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE IN A SMALL CLAIMS COURT

Abstract

The small Claims Court was on 29th day of September, 2023 introduced in Anambra State by a Practice Direction under the hand of the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice O.M. Anyachebelu, FCIArb in exercise of the power granted to him under Section 274 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria1 and Section 79 of the Magistrate Court Law2,. Two Small Claim Courts have been designated by the Chief Judge in each of the following Magisterial District, Awka, Onitsha, Ogidi and Nnewi. The small claims court is intended to facilitate easy access to justice for recovery of liquidated money demand with or without claim of interest or ancillary cost. The Practice Direction puts timeline for the determination of such claims with specimen of forms to be filled and filed thereby making access to that court user friendly. This is intended to fast tract resolution of simple monetary claim in order to create an enviable and sustainable environment for commercial transaction to thrive as well as to make Anambra State the first place of choice for investment. This article is a guide for user of Small Claims Court.