Federal High Courts Begin Christmas Break December 20 As CJ Appoints 6 Vacation Judges

The Federal High Court of Nigeria will embark on its Christmas vacation as from December 20 while the respective divisions are directed to resume sitting on January 10.

This was disclosed in a press release sent to THE WHISTLER on Sunday, signed by
Catherine Oby Christopher (PhD),
Chief Information Officer,Federal High Court of Nigeria.

While the FHC would be on break, the public can only access the Lagos, Abuja HQ and Port-harcourt divisions of the court.

In line with the directive of the Chief Judge of the FHC, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho,
, vacation judges will only attend to cases bordering on Fundamental Human Rights, seizure or arrests of vessels and national interests.

The press release reads: “Pursuant to the provisions of Order 46, Rule 4 (C) of the Federal High Court (civil Procedures) Rules, 2019, the Federal High Court will proceed on its Christmas vacation from Monday 20th December, 2021 to Friday, 7th January, 2022.

“The Court resumes sitting on Monday, 10th January, 2022.

“The Litigating public will be at liberty to approach ONLY the under listed functional courts located nearest to them;
a) Abuja
b) Lagos
c) Port -Harcourt

“It is important to state that during the vacation, only matters relating to enforcement of fundamental Rights; Arrest or Release of Vessels and matters that concern dire National interest are to be entertained.

“The Vacation Judges are:

ABUJA HQ

1. Hon. Justice A.R. Mohammed
2. Hon. Justice Z.B. Abubakar

LAGOS DIVISION

1. Hon. Justice Daniel E. Osiagor
2. Hon. Justice A.O. Awogboro

PORT-HARCOURT DIVISION

1. Hon. Justice A.T. Mohammed
2. Hon. Justice S.I. Mark

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Honorable Justice John T. Tsoho, wishes his fellow lordships a wonderful vacation in advance.”

Furthermore, the court said that its 2021/2022 Legal Year/Annual Judges’ Conference and End of the Year Get-Together ceremony will hold from Tuesday, December 14, to Thursday, December 16, 2021.

Also, special valedictory court session in honour of the former Chief Judge of the court, Late Hon. Justice Adamu Abdu-Kafarati, will hold on December 13.

“In the programme of events, the new Legal Year thanksgiving service and court session would be held on Tuesday, 14th December, 2021, to officially mark the commencement of activities in the courts as indicated in the circular.

“The opening ceremony for the Judges’ Conference will hold on Wednesday, 15th December, 2021 while the End of the Year Get-Together and Merit award ceremony holds on Thursday 16th December, 2021 by 2:00 pm.

“This press release also serves as an official invitation to all stakeholders and the general public to the above-mentioned ceremonies,” Christopher stated.