The Federal High Court is set to go on its annual Christmas break, with special arrangements in place to ensure urgent legal matters are not left unattended during the festive period.
The Chief Judge of the court, Justice John Tsoho, has approved a two-week Yuletide vacation for 2026, running from December 21 to January 5, with designated judges assigned to handle emergency cases.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the court’s Director of Information, Catherine Oby-Christopher.
According to the notice, regular court proceedings will resume on January 6, 2027, while only designated judicial divisions will remain operational throughout the holiday.
For the Abuja division, Justices Inyang Ekwo and Obiora Egwuatu have been appointed as vacation judges, while Justices Akintayo Aluko and Ogazi Nkemakonam will oversee urgent matters in Lagos.
At the Port Harcourt division, Justices P. M. Ayua and A. T. Mohammed will be on duty, while Justices Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo and M. T. Segun-Bello will handle cases at the Enugu division.
The court explained that the vacation judges will attend only to urgent applications, including cases involving the enforcement of fundamental human rights, the arrest or release of vessels and other matters of significant national importance, particularly pre-election disputes.
The arrangement is in line with Order 46, Rule 4(c) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, which provides for the designation of judges to handle essential judicial business during court vacations.
Justice Tsoho also extended Christmas and New Year wishes to judges and other members of the court ahead of the festive season.
