Commencing on March 22nd, 2024, Federal High Court judges across the nation are scheduled to embark on their Easter recess.
Chief Justice John Terhemba Tsoho disseminated a circular delineating the holiday duration, which will span until Monday, April 8th, with regular judicial operations recommencing on Tuesday, April 9th.
The Easter recess aligns with the stipulations outlined in Order 46, Rule 4 (b) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 (as amended).
During the recess period, the Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt judicial divisions will maintain functionality solely for cases deemed exceptionally urgent.
The Lagos division will adjudicate matters originating from all South Western States, while the Port Harcourt division will handle cases from states within the South-South and South Eastern geo-political zones.
In Abuja, designated vacation judges include Honorable Justices Inyang Edem Ekwo and Donatus Okorowo, ensuring the seamless continuation of judicial proceedings.
Management of the Lagos division will be overseen by Justices A.O. Awogboro and Ibrahim Kala, while the Port Harcourt division will be presided over by Justice A.T. Mohammed and Justice S.I. Mark as vacation judges.
The circular underscores the imperative of promptly referring any matters necessitating urgent attention or directives to the Chief Justice from judges and heads of divisions during this interim period.