National Judicial Council (NJC) has extended its suspension indefinitely.

In a statement by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, Dr.Justice I.T Muhammad, CFR. made available to TheNigerialawyer(TNL) the extension serves as a preventive measure on the spread of coronavirus pandemic and protection of Justices, Judges, and staff of courts.

TheNigeriaLawyer recalls that the CJN had in Circular with the No. NJC/CIR/HOC/11/631 dated 23rd March suspended the activities of the courts sitting which is to expire tomorrow being 7th April.

Below read the notice

Your Lordship will recall that in tandem with COVID-19 Regulations 2020 and as a preventive measure on the spread of the virus in the country, I had by Circular No. NJC/CIR/HOC/11/631 dated 23rd March, 2020 directed all Heads of Courts to suspend Court sittings for an initial period of two weeks from 24th March, 2020.

2. In View of the fact that the initial period of two weeks suspension of Courts sittings will expire on 7th April, 2020, I hereby extend the suspension of Court sittings till further notice, given the lockdown measure put in place by Federal and some state governments to curb the spread of COVID-19.

3. Your Lordships are however to note that Courts are expected to sit particularly, to dispense matters that are urgent, essential or time bound in line with our extant laws.

4. Your Lordships are herby directed to bring the content of this Circular to the notice of all Stakeholders in the Justice administration, please.