ASSESSING THE SOURCES OF EVIDENCE IN DEFENCE OF CUSTOMARY TITLES OVER DISPUTED LANDS IN IDAH, KOGI STATE
Abstract
This research examines the various sources of evidence used in defending customary land titles in disputed land matters in Idah, Kogi State. It identifies the traditional types of evidence, investigates their presentation in both customary and statutory dispute resolution mechanisms, and evaluates their effectiveness and limitations. Primary data were collected through questionnaires administered to claimants, traditional leaders, and legal practitioners. The findings reveal that oral testimonies, acts of long possession, traditional boundary markers, family and communal witnesses, and inheritance records are the most common evidentiary sources. However, these are often challenged in statutory courts due to the lack of formal documentation. The study recommends the documentation and preservation of oral histories, legal reforms to recognize traditional evidence, and the establishment of community land registries to enhance tenure security and reduce disputes.
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