VARIANCE IN SIGNATURE IS A MERE IRREGULARITY EXCEPT
S.C.E.S. Ltd. v. Umaru Adamu Ent. Ltd. (2026) 10 NWLR (Pt. 2049) 291 AT 317, C–F per Uwa JSC: ‘The appellant contended that the signature of O. I. Olorundare, SAN on the amended statement of claim is at variance with his other signatures on the processes before this court or a signature of a person “not known to law.” This is a grave submission to make against the learned senior counsel and it must be proved on a strict balance of probabilities. The appellant merely presented a visual comparison of signatures. However, human signatures are not static; they may vary due to a multitude of factors. A slight tremor the pen used, the surface written on, or the speed of signing can all produce a variation. In the absence of an expert hand writing analysis or an admission from Mr. Olorundare, SAN himself, a mere visual discrepancy in the strokes of a signature is insufficient to declare a process a nullity or to impugn the professional standing of the learned senior counsel involved. The name O. I. Olorundare, SAN is clearly printed on the document, and the signature, while appearing hasty or different, is clearly an attempt by a human hand to inscribe that name. This is therefore not a case of a document signed by a stranger. It is a case of a document signed by the named learned senior counsel, albeit with a signature that varies from his usual style. This is a patent irregularity, not a fundamental nullity.’