The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho, has announced that the 2024 yuletide vacation for judges will begin on December 16, 2024. The vacation will run until January 6, 2025, with courts resuming on January 7, 2025.
As per the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, only urgent matters, such as those related to fundamental rights, the arrest or release of vessels, or issues of national interest, will be entertained during the vacation.
During this period, only the core judicial divisions in Abuja, Lagos, and Port-Harcourt will remain operational to handle litigation. The vacation judge roster includes:
– *Abuja Division:* Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice M. S. Liman
– *Lagos Division:* Justice Akintayo Aluko and Justice Isaac Dipeolu
– *Port-Harcourt Division:* Justice P. M. Ayua and Justice A. T.
The vacation aims to provide judicial officers with a break while ensuring that critical legal matters continue to be addressed.