Federal High Court judges across Nigeria will commence their annual yuletide vacation on December 16, 2024, a period allowing only critical cases to proceed. This break, set to end on January 6, 2025, will see regular court sessions resume on January 7 across all judicial divisions, as stipulated by the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2019 (amended).
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, issued a statement confirming that the vacation will limit court activities to cases of urgent national interest, enforcement of fundamental rights, and urgent maritime issues involving the arrest or release of vessels.
To ensure key cases are still addressed during the break, select divisions will remain active. The Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt divisions will handle urgent litigation matters, staffed by designated vacation judges. The roster for these judges includes Justices Emeka Nwite and M. S. Liman for Abuja, Justices Akintayo Aluko and Isaac Dipeolu for Lagos, and Justices P. M. Ayua and A. T. Ibrahim for Port Harcourt.
Justice Tsoho emphasized that the vacation provides both a crucial break and ensures the continuity of justice where immediate action is essential. This annual recess allows judges to return refreshed, ready to tackle the new year’s docket with renewed focus and efficiency.
