LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CIVIL PROCEDURE — Pleadings — Binding Effect — Parties and Courts Bound by Pleadings Filed
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
Once pleadings are ordered, filed and exchanged, the parties and the courts are bound by the pleadings so filed; it therefore follows remorselessly that evidence must be led in accordance with the pleadings, and evidence led not in conformity with the pleadings, and/or upon facts not pleaded, goes to no issue.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Ejiwunmi, JSC Anyanwu & Anor v. Iwuchukwu (2000) NLC-594(SC) at p. 9; Paras. A–B.
"Once pleadings are ordered, filed and exchanged, the parties and the courts are bound by the pleadings so filed. It therefore follows remorselessly that evidence must be led in accordance with the pleadings. Evidence led not in conformity with the pleadings, and/or upon facts not pleaded went to no issue."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Pleadings define the issues for trial and bind both parties and the court. Parties cannot lead evidence on facts not pleaded; courts cannot base decisions on such evidence. Evidence on unpleaded facts “goes to no issue”—it is legally irrelevant and must be disregarded. This rule ensures fair notice, prevents surprise, and maintains an orderly trial process. The word “remorselessly” underscores its strict application. Any judgment founded on evidence outside the pleadings is liable to be set aside for violating this fundamental principle of civil procedure.