Small Claims Court
Fast, Informal, and Inexpensive Access to Justice
What is the Small Claims Court?
The Small Claims Court is a specialized magisterial court designed to provide a fast, informal, and inexpensive way to resolve liquidated money disputes (debts) not exceeding ₦3,000,000. The entire process is strictly time-bound to ensure judgment is delivered within 60 days.
How to File a Case:
- Issue Demand: Serve the debtor with Form SCA 1 and wait 7 days.
- File Complaint: If unpaid, visit the Registry with Form SCA 2 and your evidence.
- Pay Fees: Pay the prescribed filing fees at the designated bank or point.
- Await Service: The Court Sheriff will serve the Summons on the defendant.
Key Requirements
- Maximum Claim: ₦3,000,000
- Claim Type: Liquidated Money (Debts/Damages)
- Parties: Must live or do business in Gombe State
- Timeline: 60-Day Fast-Track
Are you eligible?
This court handles simple debt recovery and liquidated damages cases.
Is your claim for money only, and is it ₦3,000,000 or less?
Know Your Fees
The Gombe State Small Claims Court is designed to be affordable. Below is a summary of the standardized filing costs in accordance with the current Practice Direction.
| Service Item | Fee (₦) |
|---|---|
| Filing Fee (Claims up to ₦1,000,000) | 1,000.00 |
| Filing Fee (Claims ₦1,000,001 - ₦5,000,000) | 2,500.00 |
| Service of Process (Per Party within jurisdiction) | 500.00 |
| Certificate of Judgment / Order | 500.00 |
| Administrative/Hearing Fee | Free |
From Demand to Judgment
The Small Claims process is designed to be completed within 60 days.
Letter of Demand
Claimant serves a formal demand (Form SCA 1) on the Defendant.
Filing Claim
If no payment in 7 days, file Form SCA 2 at the Registry.
Service
Sheriff serves the summons on the Defendant within 7 days.
Trial/Hearing
Trial is conducted daily or weekly with minimal adjournments.
Judgment
Delivered within 14 days of the conclusion of the hearing.
Served with a Summons?
If you have been served with a Small Claims Summons, you are the Defendant. You must act quickly—usually within 7 days—to prevent a judgment being entered against you in your absence.
Admission
If you owe the money, you can admit the claim and suggest a payment plan using Form SCA 5.
Defense
If you dispute the claim, file a Points of Defense explaining why you do not owe the money.
Common Legal Defenses
- Debt Already Paid: You have proof of payment (receipts/transfers).
- Statute of Barred: The debt is too old to be legally enforced.
- Goods/Services Not Delivered: The contract was never fulfilled by the claimant.
- Wrong Defendant: You are not the person who entered the agreement.
- Counter-Claim: The claimant actually owes *you* money.
Legal Framework
The Small Claims Court operates under specific rules issued by the Honorable Chief Judge.
Gombe State SCC Practice Direction
This document outlines the procedures, timelines, and mandatory forms required for all Small Claims proceedings in the state.
Designated Small Claims Courts
| Location/LGA | Designated Court Room | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Gombe Metropolis (I) | Magistrate Court 1 | Active |
| Gombe Metropolis (II) | Magistrate Court 4 | Active |
| Akko LGA | Magistrate Court, Kumo | Active |
| Balanga LGA | Magistrate Court, Talasse | Active |
| Billiri LGA | Magistrate Court, Billiri | Active |
| Dukku LGA | Magistrate Court, Dukku | Active |
| Funakaye LGA | Magistrate Court, Bajoga | Active |
| Kaltungo LGA | Magistrate Court, Kaltungo | Active |
| Kwami LGA | Magistrate Court, Mallam Sidi | Active |
| Nafada LGA | Magistrate Court, Nafada | Active |
| Shongom LGA | Magistrate Court, Boh | Active |
| Yamaltu/Deba LGA | Magistrate Court, Deba | Active |