How to Verify a Notary's Credentials in Nigeria: Complete SCN Verification Guide

Why Verifying Notary Credentials Matters

In Nigeria, only notaries public commissioned by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and registered with the Supreme Court have the legal authority to perform notarizations. Unfortunately, cases of fraudulent notarization by unauthorized individuals have been reported across Lagos, Abuja, and other major cities.

Verifying a notary's credentials protects you from:

• Invalid notarizations that won't be accepted by courts or government agencies
• Document rejection by foreign embassies and institutions
• Legal complications and potential liability
• Financial losses from fraudulent services
• Delays in time-sensitive matters (visa applications, business transactions)

Understanding the Supreme Court Number (SCN)

The Supreme Court Number (SCN) is a unique identifier issued to each commissioned notary public in Nigeria. Think of it as a license number that proves the notary's authorization to practice.

Step-by-Step SCN Verification Process

Step 1: Request the Notary's SCN

Before engaging a notary's services, always ask for their Supreme Court Number. Legitimate notaries will readily provide this information and typically display it on:

• Business cards and letterheads
• Office signage
• Professional website or social media profiles
• Notarial certificates and stamps
• Email signatures

Step 2: Verify Through Official Channels

Nigeria currently offers several methods to verify notary credentials:

Step 3: Check Additional Credentials

Beyond the SCN, verify these additional qualifications:

• Legal Practitioner Status: Verify the notary is a qualified lawyer with an active practicing certificate
• Nigerian Bar Association Membership: Confirm current NBA membership and annual dues compliance
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Ensure the notary carries appropriate liability coverage
• Years of Experience: Check how long they've been practicing (minimum 10 years as a lawyer is typical)
• Specialization: Confirm experience in the specific type of document you need notarized

Red Flags: Warning Signs of Fraudulent Notaries

• Reluctance to provide their SCN or other credentials
• Unusually low prices (below ₦5,000 for standard notarization)
• Offering to notarize documents without identity verification
• No physical office address or professional letterhead
• Pressure to complete the notarization quickly without proper review
• Inability to answer basic questions about notarial practice
• No professional website or online presence
• Payment only in cash with no receipts provided
• Offering to backdate notarial certificates
• Working from residential addresses or informal locations

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you believe you've encountered a fraudulent notary or received an invalid notarization:

• Do Not Use the Document: Invalidly notarized documents can have serious legal consequences
• Report to Authorities: File a complaint with the Nigerian Police Force and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
• Notify the Nigerian Bar Association: Report the individual to the NBA for investigation
• Document Everything: Keep copies of all communications, receipts, and the fraudulent document
• Seek Legal Advice: Consult with a legitimate lawyer about potential remedies
• Get Proper Notarization: Have your document notarized by a verified, legitimate notary

Using Oganotary's SCN Verification Tool

Oganotary provides a free, instant SCN verification service that checks notary credentials against Supreme Court records. Here's how to use it:

• Visit the Oganotary SCN Verification page
• Enter the notary's Supreme Court Number
• Receive instant verification results including:
• - Notary's full name and commission date
• - Current status (active/inactive/suspended)
• - Areas of specialization
• - Professional liability insurance status
• - Client reviews and ratings
• Download verification certificate for your records

Best Practices for Working with Notaries

Follow these best practices to ensure a smooth notarization experience:

• Always verify credentials before engaging services
• Request a written fee quote before proceeding
• Ensure you receive a detailed receipt
• Keep copies of all notarized documents
• Verify the notary's contact information is included on the certificate
• Ask questions if you don't understand any part of the process
• Use reputable platforms like Oganotary that pre-verify notaries