LEGAL PRINCIPLE: EVIDENCE LAW — Burden of Proof — No Evidence on Opposing Side — Minimum Proof Suffices
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
Where there is no evidence to put on one side of the imaginary scale in a civil case, minimum evidence on the other side satisfies the requirement of proof.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Katsina-Alu, JSC, in Adewuyi v. Odukwe (2005) NLC-172001(SC) at pp. 12–13; Paras D–E.
"It is now settled law that where there is no evidence to put on one side of the imaginary scale in a civil case, minimum evidence on the other side satisfies the requirement of proof: See Nwabuoku v. Ottih (1961) 2 SCNLR 232 (1961) All NLR 487; Buraimoh v. Bamgbose (1989) 3 NWLR (Pt. 109) 352."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Minimum evidence suffices when the opposing side presents no evidence. The principle applies to civil burden of proof.