In Nigeria, an Affidavit of Bachelorhood is a legal document that serves as a declaration by an individual stating that they are unmarried and have never been married. This document is often required for various legal, administrative, or personal reasons, such as applying for a marriage license or when requested by a prospective spouse or their family. It is also pre-requisite to obtain a certificate of single status from a Local Government Authority.
Below is a general guide on how to obtain an Affidavit of Bachelorhood in Nigeria:
STEPS TO OBTAIN AN AFFIDAVIT OF BACHELORHOOD
1. Prepare the Affidavit: The affidavit should include your full name, date of birth, address, occupation, and a clear statement declaring that you are single and have never been married. Although it is not mandatory, but it is recommended to engage a lawyer for the preparation of the affidavit.
2. Visit a Notary Public or Court: Go to a notary public office or a court where you can swear an affidavit. You will need to swear or affirm the affidavit in the presence of the notary public or a commissioner for oaths. Some courts and notary now engage in online deposition as well, so you don’t have to physically visit the court or notary office to get it done. If you engage a lawyer to prepare the affidavit, he can also advise on appropriate place to depose to the affidavit.
3. Notarization/Stamping: The notary public or commissioner for oaths will sign and stamp the document officially during the deposition.
Points to Note
- Validity: The affidavit must be truthful, as providing false information in an affidavit is a criminal offense.
- Requirements: Some institutions or individuals may have specific requirements for the content or format of the affidavit, so it’s best to confirm these beforehand.
Usage of Affidavit of Bachelorhood
- Marriage Purposes: To provide proof of single status for marriage purposes, both within Nigeria and internationally.
- Legal Documentation: Required by some organizations or entities as proof of single status for various legal or administrative processes.
Finally, ensure that you keep a copy of the notarized affidavit for your records and provide the original as required for official processes. It is recommended that you engage legal practitioner nearby to you for the proper drafting and deposition of the affidavit.
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SAMPLE AFFIDAVIT OF BACHELORHOOD
IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE
IN THE IKEJA JUDICIAL DIVISION
HOLDEN AT IKEJA
I, [Your Full Name], Male/Female, Adult, Nigerian Citizen, residing at [Your Address], do hereby make oath and state as follows:
1.That I was born on [Your Date of Birth].
2. That I am a citizen of Nigeria.
3. That I am currently residing at [Your Address].
4. That I have never been married and I am presently single.
5. That this affidavit is made for the purpose of declaring my bachelorhood and for whatever legal purpose it may serve.
Sworn to at the [Notary Public Office/Court Name], this [Day] day of [Month], [Year].
________________________
[Your Name]
Deponent
Before me,
________________________
Notary Public/Commissioner for Oaths
