LEGAL PRINCIPLE: EVIDENCE LAW – Admitted Facts – Effect – What is Admitted Need Not Be Proved
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
It is trite law that what is admitted need not be proved and that parties are bound by their pleading.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Ayoola, JSC, in Agbanelo v. Union Bank of Nigeria Ltd. (2000) NLC-201997(SC) at p. 6; Para E.
"It is trite law that what is admitted need not be proved and that parties are bound by their pleading."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Facts admitted in pleadings do not require proof. Admissions relieve the opposing party of the burden of adducing evidence on those facts. Parties are bound by their pleadings and cannot later contradict admitted matters. This rule promotes efficiency by focusing trial on disputed issues. Admissions may be express or implied by failure to traverse. The principle prevents parties from forcing proof of uncontested matters and ensures that judicial resources are directed to genuine controversies. Admissions are conclusive for the purpose of the proceedings.