By Thomas Abidoye

Many people in Nigeria fear hearing the word “court,” but the truth is that anyone can end up there if they are not careful. Court cases are not only for criminals. People go to court for many reasons, both positive and negative. Some go to obtain important documents like affidavits, declarations, change of name, and other legal papers. Others end up there because of disputes or offences that could have been avoided.

Below are ten common things that can take you to court in Nigeria.

1. Refusing To Pay Debt

If you borrow money from a person, a cooperative, a bank, or an online loan app and you refuse to pay, the person or organisation can sue you. Many people think debt is a small issue, but once you fail to pay, the matter can become a legal case. Courts handle a lot of debt recovery issues every day.

2. Land Disputes

Land matters are one of the most common causes of court cases in Nigeria. If two people claim ownership of the same land, or someone builds on land that does not belong to them, the court becomes the final decision maker. Even family land disputes often end up in court when relatives cannot agree.

3. Marriage Issues and Divorce

When couples cannot settle their differences, one partner may take the matter to court to seek a divorce or settle issues like custody of children, maintenance, or property sharing. Even though families usually try to intervene, court remains the last option when the problem becomes too much.

4. Domestic Violence

Cases of beating, harassment, and emotional abuse can also take someone to court. A spouse or partner can report the matter to the police, and the police can charge the person to court, especially when injuries or threats to life are involved.

5. Criminal Offences

Any act like stealing, fighting, assault, fraud, cultism, or causing harm to another person can take you to court. The police usually arrest the suspects and file the case in court. Once it becomes a criminal matter, the person must appear before a judge.

6. Breaking Business Agreements

If you sign a business contract or agreement and you fail to do your part, the other party can sue you. This includes situations like failing to deliver goods after receiving payment, cheating partners in a business deal, or breaching a written agreement.

7. Landlord and Tenant Problems

Many tenants and landlords go to court when there is disagreement about rent, eviction, or building damage. A landlord cannot just throw a tenant out. The proper eviction notice and court order must be obtained. Tenants who refuse to pay rent can also be taken to court.

8. Defamation of Character

If you spread false information about someone, whether online or offline, the person can drag you to court. Posting lies about someone on social media, WhatsApp groups, or blogs is enough to cause a defamation lawsuit.

9. Child Support and Paternity Issues

Some parents abandon their children financially or refuse to accept responsibility for a child. In such cases, the other parent can take the matter to court to enforce child support or confirm paternity through legal means.

10. Obtaining Legal Documents

Not every court visit is negative. Many Nigerians go to court for important documents like affidavits, age declarations, change of name, loss of documents, and sworn statements. Court is the only legal place to obtain these documents officially. Students, workers, business owners, and travellers often need these papers for various purposes.