The Nigerian Bar Association has clarified that its Stamp and Seal policy remains fully valid and enforceable despite reports suggesting that a recent Federal High Court judgment invalidated the regime.
In a statement signed by Mobolaji Ojibara, the NBA explained that the reported court ruling could not override existing Supreme Court decisions that already affirmed the legality of the Stamp and Seal policy.
The association referenced the Supreme Court case involving the All Progressives Congress and General Bello Sarkin Yaki, where the apex court ruled on the legal effect of filing court processes without the NBA-approved stamp and seal.
According to the NBA, the Supreme Court held that documents filed without the official stamp and seal were improperly filed but could still be corrected through regularisation.
The association also cited additional judgments, including decisions by the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, which it said reinforced the continued enforceability of the policy.
The NBA stressed that under Section 235 of the Nigerian Constitution, Supreme Court judgments remain binding on all lower courts, including the Federal High Court.
Although the association stated it had yet to fully review the Federal High Court judgment being discussed online, it maintained that no lower court has the authority to invalidate the Supreme Court’s position on the Stamp and Seal regime.
The NBA further reassured lawyers, court registries and the public that the policy remains operational nationwide.
According to the association, the Stamp and Seal policy was introduced to protect the legal profession, prevent impersonation by fake lawyers and maintain professional standards within Nigeria’s legal system.
