The Supreme Court provides a structured and transparent process for filing appeals, original applications, and petitions. Our Registry officers are trained to guide litigants and legal practitioners through every step of the process.

What is a Petition to the Supreme Court?

A petition to the Supreme Court is a formal legal application seeking leave of the Court to appeal against a decision of the Court of Appeal, or a request invoking the Court’s original jurisdiction in matters exclusively assigned to it by the Constitution. All petitions must comply with the Supreme Court Rules and applicable Practice Directions.

Types of Cases Filed at the Supreme Court

  • Civil Appeals: Appeals from the Court of Appeal in civil matters — contracts, property, family law, commercial disputes, and more.
  • Criminal Appeals: Appeals by the prosecution or defence against convictions, acquittals, or sentences handed down by the Court of Appeal.
  • Constitutional Matters: Applications raising questions as to the interpretation or application of any provision of the Constitution.
  • Original Jurisdiction: Disputes between the Federation and a State, or between two or more States, which the Constitution exclusively vests in the Supreme Court.
  • Election Petitions (Presidential): Under the Constitution, the Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction over disputes arising from Presidential election results.
  • Interlocutory Applications: Applications for stay of proceedings, injunctions, or other interlocutory relief pending appeal.

Filing Procedure

  • Step 1: Consult with a qualified legal practitioner. All parties in Supreme Court proceedings must be represented by a legal practitioner enrolled in Nigeria.
  • Step 2: Obtain the relevant forms from the Registry or download them from the Court’s website.
  • Step 3: Prepare your Brief of Argument and supporting documents in accordance with the Supreme Court Rules.
  • Step 4: File the documents at the Registry counter between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM on working days.
  • Step 5: Pay the applicable filing fees and obtain your official receipt and case number.
  • Step 6: Serve all other parties in the matter with the filed documents.
  • Step 7: Attend the Registry to confirm your case has been placed on the Cause List.

Required Documents

  • Notice of Appeal (Form 1)
  • Appellant’s Brief of Argument
  • Record of Proceedings from the lower court
  • Certified True Copy of the judgment being appealed
  • Proof of service on all parties
  • Applicable filing fee payment receipt

Filing Fees

Filing fees vary based on the nature of the matter. Please contact the Registry or visit the Fee Schedule page for a comprehensive breakdown of applicable fees. The Court does not accept personal cheques — only bank drafts payable to the Supreme Court of Nigeria or electronic payment via the designated payment portal.

Electronic Filing

The Supreme Court has introduced an Electronic Filing System (EFS) to allow legal practitioners to file documents remotely. Practitioners must be registered on the EFS portal and possess a valid digital certificate. Physical filing remains available for all matters. Contact the Registry’s IT desk for EFS registration.

Contact the Registry