The Federal High Court of Nigeria will embark on its Christmas vacation from December 20, 2021, while the respective divisions are directed to resume sitting on January 7, 2021

This was disclosed in a press release sighted by TheNigeriaLawyer on Monday, signed by the Chief Information Officer of the Court, Catherine Oby Christopher (Ph.D.).

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, Christopher said 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.”

According to the press release, Hon. Justices A.R. Mohammed and Z.B. Abubakar will be the Vacation Judges for Abuja while Hon. Justices Daniel E. Osiagor and A.O. Awogboro will be for Lagos.

As for Port Harcourt Division, the vacation judges are:
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.

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