Yenagoa—The Bayelsa State Judiciary under the leadership of the Hon. Justice M. A. Ayemieye, the Ag. Chief Judge has established the Small Claims Court in Bayelsa State which commenced sitting on the 20th of March, at the Bayelsa State Multi-door Courthouse, High Court Complex, Ovom, Yenagoa and the Hon. Justice Koripamo David Ungbuku High Court complex, Onopa.
The Small Claims Court is saddled with the responsibility of claim for money in any debt recovery action with a value not exceeding N5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) and can be filed at the Small Claims Court Registry located at Hon. Justice Koripamo David Ungbuku High Court complex, Onopa Yenagoa,
In a statement issued by Mr. Julius Lambert Nyananyo, the Head, Media & Information Department, the Small Claims Court is a new innovation in the Nigeria legal system, with a view of helping small business operators recover debt owed for goods supplied.
The small claims court will assist business men and it does not have to go through litigation system that may take a longer time to reach a final decision.
The state Judiciary had earlier inaugurated the Management Committee on the 4th of January, 2023 for effective take-off of the Small Claims Court.
Nyananyo further stated that the Small Claims Court is very affordable and easy to use thus, one does not need to have a lawyer to represent him or file his matter.
An individual, partnership, association or corporation can use a small claims court as cases are speedily dispensed however claimants/defendants must reside and do business in Bayelsa State.
Furthermore, the handbook and practice directions are available at the Bayelsa state judiciary and online at the judiciary website (bayelsastatejudiciary.gov.ng).
He enjoined the general public to take advantage of the Small Claims Court.
