Daily Law Tips (Tip 449) by Onyekachi Umah, Esq., LLM. ACIArb(UK)
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
*THE 4 FACTS COURTS MUST CONSIDER IN EVALUATING EXPERT OPINIONS ON HANDWRITING AND SIGNATURES ON WILLS *
Courts are designed to consider and evaluate facts and issues before it in reaching judgments. Often in cases of WILL, there are arguments as genuineness of handwriting or signature of the maker of WILL.
“It is the duty of the trial court to evaluate the evidence of the handwriting expert on the genuineness of the alleged signature on the Will. In doing so the learned trial Judge must keep the following facts in view.
1. Expert opinion on the genuineness of a signature should be received with caution especially if there are witnesses who come to court to say they saw the deceased sign the Will.
2. Hardly anyone signs in the same way all the time.
3. Tests conducted by handwriting experts, comparing handwritings and signature are merely tentative in character, and
4. Opinion evidence of an expert is weak evidence this is so because it is the evidence of a person who calls himself an expert.
Now the bottom line is that the court must form its own opinion by also examining the documents in question and look for other positive evidence that would make the handwriting analysts evidence reliable or unreliable. Expert evidence only assists the court in this task.”
My authority is the Court of Appeal decision in the case of MORAYO ODUNEWU V. RISIKAT MARTINS & ORS (2010) LPELR-4683(CA)
#DailyLawTips
#SabiLaw
#LearnNigerianLaws
Feel free to reach the author, ask questions or make inquiries on this topic or any other via info@LearnNigerianLaws.com or onyekachi.umah@gmail.com or +2348037665878.
NOTE: Sharing or 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. Please share this publication till it gets to those that need it most. Save a Nigerian today!
To receive our Daily Law Tips for free follow our Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube via “@LearnNigerianLaws”.
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
“Order Your Copy Now” — Basil Momodu, Esq. Unveils Second Edition Of His Book, "Civil Procedure In Nigeria"
According to the learned author, Basil Momodu Esq. "Law review is a continuum. We will continue to track changes in the law to enrich future editions." Recommended Booksellers: Lagos: 08033855230, Abuja: 08035991379, and others.
_______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
