AN EXAMINATION OF THE ADMISSIBILITY OF DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE UNDER THE EVIDENCE ACT.

CHINAGOROM, ODICHIMMA (2026) AN EXAMINATION OF THE ADMISSIBILITY OF DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE UNDER THE EVIDENCE ACT. Other thesis, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.

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Abstract

This dissertation provided a conceptual discourse into the Admissibility of Documentary Evidence under the Evidence Act. The aim and objectives of the study were analysing documentary evidence under the Nigerian Evidence Act, assessing the legal requirements for the admissibility of documentary evidence under the Evidence Act and identifying the challenges that affect the admissibility of documentary evidence in Nigerian Courts. Employing a doctrinal research methodology grounded in library-based and internet research, this work examines primary and secondary sources of Nigerian law, including statutory provisions, case law, and scholarly literature. Despite legislative advancements, the research identified persistent challenges, including inadequate technological capacity for verifying digital evidence, delays in obtaining certified documents, rising incidents of document forgery and manipulation, poor chain of custody practices and limited expertise among legal practitioners and judicial officers in handling cyber evidence. Thus, the admissibility of documentary evidence is the bedrock of the Nigerian law of evidence in shaping the administration of justice and credibility of judicial proceedings. This study argues that without institutional and technological support, the statutory provisions may be ineffective in practice. Consequently, this thesis evaluates the challenges posed by forgery, improper certification and practical implementation gaps. The findings reveal that the Act strengthens evidentiary reliability and enhances procedural fairness, yet technological limitations persist. The research concludes that effective admissibility of documentary evidence under the Evidence Act requires a synergy between law, technology, institutional reform and judicial interpretation to enhance credibility, promote justice and sustain public trust in the Nigerian legal system. This study therefore recommends that there is a need for a legislative reform to redress the issues of proper admissibility of documentary evidence.

Item Type:	Thesis (Other)
Subjects:	K Law > K Law (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Law
Depositing User:	COMFORT AJALA
Date Deposited:	27 Jul 2026 09:55
Last Modified:	27 Jul 2026 09:55
URI:	http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/6023

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