Federal High Court assigns six judges to handle select cases nationwide during court’s vacation 

According to a circular signed by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, and released by Catherine Oby Christopher, the court’s Director of Information, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the selected judges will serve in various judicial divisions.

Titled “NOTIFICATION OF 2024 CHRISTMAS VACATION AND ROSTER FOR VACATION JUDGES,” the circular states that the court’s divisions nationwide will commence their Christmas vacation for 2024 on Monday, December 16, 2024, and resume sitting on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in all judicial divisions.

The circular is pursuant to the provisions of Order 46, Rule 4 (C) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 (as amended).

According to the Chief Judge, during the vacation period, the core judicial divisions in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt will remain open to the public, providing continuous services for urgent matters.

“Only matters relating to the enforcement of Fundamental Rights; arrest or release of vessels; and issues of national interest shall be entertained by the Vacation Judges,” the Chief Judge directed.

The following honorable judges have been assigned to serve as vacation judges:

Justice Tsoho wished his colleagues a pleasant vacation ahead.

This directive means that only the Federal High Court divisions in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt will be open during the vacation, allowing the public to file urgent matters in these locations as specified by the Chief Judge.

Naijaonpoint further reports that urgent pending cases are typically moved to the vacation courts during this period.

If a matter is not resolved during the vacation, its case file is returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment.