Daily Law Tips (Tip 512) by Onyekachi Umah, Esq., LLM. ACIArb(UK)
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
MINIMUM PERIOD FOR DEFENCE OF UNDEFENDED LIST CASE IN ABUJA.
While litigation in Nigeria may take forever, there is a shortcut for recovery of debt cases. A person that is being owed (creditor) can easily and quickly recover his money from the person owing him (debtor) in a High Court through the “UNDEFENDED LIST” procedure or in a Magistrate Court through “Default Summons” procedure. By these procedures, recovery of debt case can start and end in a day.
Undefended List procedure and Default Summons procedure are used for quick recovery of debts where a claimant (creditor) believes that his defendant (debtor) has no defence whatsoever.
In the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where a defendant is served with court processes of a case filed under the Undefended List procedure, such a defendant is expected to file a Notice of Intention to Defend (ie. if such defendant intends to oppose the case). Notice of intention to defend must be filed together with an affidavit disclosing a sufficient defence. These must be filed before 5 days to the hearing date of the case. Where the court sees merit in the Notice of Intention to Defend and Affidavit filed by a defendant, the court may move the case from Undefended List to Ordinary Cause List for proper full hearing and determination of the case on merit.
Where Notice of Intention to Defend as well as an affidavit of defence is not filed, court may proceed to give judgement in favour of the Claimant (Creditor).
My authority is Order 35 of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (Civil Procedure) Rules 2018.
#SabiLaw
#DailyLawTips
#SabiBusinessLaw
#SabiElectionLaws
#SabiHumanRights
#SabiLawOnBeatFm
#SabiLawLectureSeries
#CriminalJusticeMonday
#SabiLawVideoChallenge
Speak with the writer, ask questions or make inquiries on this topic or any other via info@LearnNigerianLaws.com or onyekachi.umah@gmail.com or +2348037665878. To receive our free Daily Law Tips, follow our Facebook Page:@LearnNigerianLaws, Instagram:
@LearnNigerianLaws and Twitter: @LearnNigeriaLaw
Please share this publication for free till it gets to those that need it most. Save a Nigerian today! NOTE: Sharing, modifying or publishing this publication without giving credit to Onyekachi Umah, Esq. and “LearnNigerianLaws.com” is a criminal breach of copyright and will be prosecuted.
This publication is the writer’s view not a legal advice and does not create any form of relationship. You may reach the writer for more information.
Powered by www.LearnNigerianLaws.com (A Free Law Awareness Program of Sabi Law Foundation)
The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion.
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
_______________________________________________________________________
“Order Justice Omolaye-Ajileye’s Electronic Evidence Books Now” — Essential Guides On Evidence Act, Case Law And Digital Proof
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
