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Tag: Federal High Court

  • Viral video: Court stops Ondo State govt from investigating CJ

    Viral video: Court stops Ondo State govt from investigating CJ

    The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, restrained the Ondo State government from investigating the state’s Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Oluwatoyin Akeredolu over a viral video made by a citizen of the state, Olupelumi Fagboyegun.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, who gave the order while delivering a judgment in the suit brought by the CJ against Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and others, described the move to probe the embattled judge as “unconstitutional and illegal.”

    Fagboyegun, who claimed to be a stepbrother to the state’s chief judge, in the viral video, had alleged that Akeredolu instigated his detention for three years for going to their father’s house.

    The state government, through the Attorney General, had ordered for Justice Akeredolu’s investigation.

    However, the judge had filed a suit challenging the action of the state government.

    While the chief judge is the plaintiff, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the National Judicial Council (NJC), Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, the Ondo State Attorney General (AG), the state’s House of Assembly and the Inspector General of Police are 1st to 6th defendants respectively in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2016/2021.

    Since the case began, the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th defendants had not been represented in court.

  • Federal High Court amends posting of judges nationwide

    Federal High Court amends posting of judges nationwide

    The Federal High Court has amended its initial list on the posting of Judges across the country.

    This change comes as a result of the recent elevation of some judges of the court.

    In a circular dated the 5th of May 2021, the Chief Judge of the Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho stated that with the recent elevation to the court of appeal of certain justices, it had become inevitable to amend the posting of judges.

    Justices Bature Gafai, Mohammed Abubakar, and Hassan are among those taking up positions in the court of Appeal, while Justice Mohammed Yunusa who was suspended for the alleged perversion of the course of justice and corruption charges has been recalled.

    The judges posted to replace those elevated shall however await the swearing-in and eventual deployment of their elevated colleagues before reporting in the new stations.

    Here’s the list of the new postings of all 75 justices of the court

    Read Full List Below:

  • BREAKING: Federal High Court set ablaze in Ebonyi [PHOTOS]

    BREAKING: Federal High Court set ablaze in Ebonyi [PHOTOS]

    The premises of the Federal High Court in Abakaliki was in the early hours of Tuesday up in commotion as some of the buildings were set ablaze by yet to be identified hoodlums.

    Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Ebonyi, Obianuju Loveth Odah, while confirming the incident noted that no live was lost in the incident, but that blood stains were seen on the wall of the court.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Ebonyi said that no arrest had been made.

    She however, said that the command had began investigation to unmask those behind the attack with a view to bringing them to justice.

    “Hoodlums in the early hours of Tuesday wielding dangerous weapons stormed the federal high court premises and burnt part of the building.

    “Though no arrest has been made, but investigation is ongoing.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Mr Aliyu Garba, has promised to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” Odah said.

    Meanwhile, a detachment of the Nigerian Mobile Police (MOPOL) has been drafted to the area to secure the court premises.

  • Federal High Court shortlists 34 lawyers for appointment as judges

    Federal High Court shortlists 34 lawyers for appointment as judges

    The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Justice John Tsoho has shortlisted 34 lawyers from five states from which six will be selected for appointment as judges.

    The states are: Niger, 10 applicants: Kano, six applicants; Katsina, six applicants; Yobe, six applicants; and Osun, six applicants.

    Justice Tsoho disclosed this in a March 8, 2021 circular to all of the court’s serving judges, seen by The Nation on Thursday.

    The serving justices were directed to state their objections to the list, if any, within 10 days.

    The letter was titled, RE: appointment of six (6) additional judges for the Federal High Court Bench.

    It reads: “In continuation of the process for the appointment of Judges to the Federal High Court Bench, Your Lordships will find attached shortlisted candidates and their addresses from the five states earlier specified for consideration and if found fit, for appointment as Judges of the Federal High Court.

    “Your Lordships are hereby enjoined to indicate your objections, if any, to the appointment of any candidate within 10 (ten) days of this Circular letter. Please treat as urgent.”

    The nominees, their states and addresses are,

    Niger State –

    Chiroma Moses Gamzhi – Director of Public Prosecution Ministry of Justice, Niger State; Bala Khalifa-Mahammed Usman: Acting Director. Civil Litigation, Ministry of Justice, Niger State; Jibo Maryam Daso: Deputy Chief Registrar (Litigation), High Court of Justice, Minna, Niger State; Ojimi Rachel Dufia: Director, Legislative Drafting and Legal Services Osun State Ministry of Justice Osogbo, Osun State; Musa Suleiman Liman: Private Practitioner, Summit Chambers, No. 2, Muazu Mohammed Road, Minna, Niger State; Baba Alhaji Saidu: Asst. Director, Fed. Min of Justice, Abuja; Fati Suleman Takuma: Director, Public Relations, High Court of Justice, Minna, Niger State; Garafini Ahmed Abdulrahman: Chief Magistrate III, High Court of Justice, Minna, Niger State; Nasiru Muazu: Director of Probate, High Court of Justice, Minna; Murtala Muhammed Bala Ibrahim: State Senior Magistrate, High Court of Justice, Minna.

    Kano State –

    Mukhtar Garba Dandago: Chief Magistrate 1, High Court of Justice, Kano; Ahmad G. Mohammed: Chief Studies Fellow, National Judicial Institute Abuja; Musa Ahmad: Chief Magistrate, High Court of Justice, Kano; Binta Mansur Mahmoud: Chief Magistrate, High Court of Justice, Kano, Kano; Hanif Sanusi Yusuf: Deputy Chief Registrar, High Court of Justice, Kano, Kano State; Kyauta Abdullah: Chief Magistrate II, High Court of Justice, Kano.

    Katsina State –

    Aminu Garba: Asst. Director Legal Drafting, Ministry of Justice Katsina, Katsina State; Umar Abdur-Rahman: Director Civil Litigation High Court of Justice, Katsina, Katsina State; Abdulmumeen Nuradeen: Chief Magistrate, High Court of Justice, Katsina: Halima Lawal Bagiwa: Assistant Director Ministry of Justice, Katsina State; Aliyu Amina Mohammad: Principal Registrar, Federal High Court, Abuja; Nasiru Salele: Deputy Chief State Counsel EFCC Kaduna.

    Yobe State –

    Emmanuel Gakko: Chief Registrar, Federal High Court, Abuja; Mohammed Adamu Jajere: Chief Magistrate 1, High Court of Justice, Yobe; Chief State Counsel Federal Capital Territory: Mohammed Garba Bawa; Chief State Counsel Federal Capital Territory Administration, Area 11, Garki, Abuja; Mustapha Wakil: Deputy Chief Registrar Sharia Court of Appeal Yobe; Usman Lukman Nuhu: Assistant Lecturer, Yobe State University and Aisha Ahmed Fika Mohammed: Senior Registrar Court of Appeal, Abuja.

    Osun –

    Ajibade Bolatito Florence (Mrs) Chief Registrar, High Court of Justice, Akure, Ondo State; Ayilara Olusegun Ayodele, Ph.D: Chief Magistrate, High Court of Justice, Osogbo, Osun State; Olakunle Yusuff Private Practitioner Lahai-Roi Chambers, Suite B05, Tsukunda House, Plot 1446, beside ECOWAS, along Church Gate, CBD, Abuja: Oladigbolu Abidemi – Monday Private Practitioner Legalmind Chambers, 11th Floor, Wing C, Western House, 8/10 Broad Street, Lagos: Justice Fagbenle Emmanuel Olusegun – Former Chief Justice of the High Court, Republic of Gambia, 2015-2017. ¢/O: Kanu G. Agabi (SAN) & Associates, Trinity House, behind Fed. Min of Works, Mabushi Abuja: and Abodunde Hazrat Babalakin-Are – Private Practitioner – 11, Ramotu Oluwakemi Street, Median Estate, Gbagada, Lagos.

  • Serving Federal High Court judge dies of undisclosed ailment in Abeokuta

    Serving Federal High Court judge dies of undisclosed ailment in Abeokuta

    A judge of the Federal High Court, serving in the court’s Abeokuta (Ogun State) division, Justice Ibrahim Watila, is died.

    According to a statement on Tuesday by the court’s Chief Information Officer, Catherine Oby Nwandu, Justice Watila died on January 24 “after a brief illness.”

    The court was silent on the cause of death.

    Part of the statement reads: “The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho regrets to announce the demise of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Watila, a judge of this honourable Court who passed on to glory after a brief illness on the 24th January 2021.

    “Until his death, Justice Watila was serving at the Abeokuta Division of the court. Born on the 12th May 1963 and was appointed to the Federal High Court Bench on the 2nd December 2015.

    “The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Judges of the Court, the entire Management and staff of the Court commiserate with the family of the deceased.

    “Justice Tsoho described the late Judge as a sober and courageous judge, whose exit will be felt by the court, as well as the country at large.

    “He prayed that the Almighty GOD will grant his immediate family, relatives and friends the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    “The burial arrangements are as follow: Wake keep: Wednesday, 27th January 2021 at his residence C13, Herbert Macauley Street, Pent House Estate, Pyakkasa, Abuja by 3.00 pm

    “Valedictory Court Session: Thursday 28th January 2021 at 11.00am prompt at the Ukeje Hall, Federal High Court Headquarters, Abuja.

    “Interment: Saturday, 30th January 2021 at Marama, Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State.”

  • JUST IN: Federal High Court adopts virtual court, permits Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, email, others

    JUST IN: Federal High Court adopts virtual court, permits Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, email, others

    The Federal High Court (FHC) of Nigeria has authorised judges to adopt virtual proceedings for court cases in all its judicial divisions.

    Chief Judge (CJ) Justice John Tsoho gave the direction in the new 2020 Practice Directions for the COVID-19 Period.

    But proceedings can only be held virtually with the consent of the parties and their counsels.

    Also, under the new rules, FHC judges cannot hear more than nine cases in a day.

    There were 36 Divisions of the court as at last July with 82 judges to hear over 200,000 pending cases.

    “Virtual proceeding is hereby adopted for adjudication in the Federal High Court.

    “Virtual proceedings can be either by Zoom, Skype or any other audio-visual platform approved by the Court,” the CJ said.

    Where parties and counsel agree to virtual proceedings in a case, he directed them to liaise with the court’s Registrar to schedule the hearings.

    Cases for virtual proceedings shall then be stated on the Cause List, posted on the FHC website and communicated to counsel and parties, either by e-mail or any other electronic means.

    The Judge and counsel in such proceedings must also be robed.

    The notice also responded positively to growing calls for technology to be infused in court proceedings.

    “Service of court processes may be effected by e-mails, WhatsApp or as may be directed by the Court, and shall be deemed as good service.

    “Service of hearing notices may be effected by e-mail, WhatsApp, text messages or as may be directed by the Court

    “The print out of same shall be sufficient proof of service,” it said.

    In keeping with federal and states COVID-19 regulations, the Chief Judge also made the wearing of face masks and maintaining of social distancing mandatory.

    “Face Masks must be properly worn by everyone within the court premises to cover their mouths and noses at all times.

    “Every person within the premises of the court and inside the court room shall observe the requirement of social and physical distancing of not less than 2 meters (6 feet) apart from each other,

    “At any given time, there shall not be a congregation of more than ten (10) within the Court premises, except for purposes of court sittings.

    “There shall not be more than twenty (20) persons inside the court room including the court staff and counsel at court sittings.”

    These Practice Directions came into effect on May 18, 2020.

  • BREAKING: Court slams N10m against DSS in case involving Buhari’s daughter

    BREAKING: Court slams N10m against DSS in case involving Buhari’s daughter

    A Federal High Court has slammed a N10 million fine against the Department of State Services (DSS) for the 10 weeks detention of Anthony Okolie over an MTN SIM Card once used by the daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari, Hanan.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, the capital of Delta State awarded the N10 million fine against the DSS on Thursday, while delivering its judgment on the SIM Card case filed by Okolie.

    Okolie was in 2019 detained for over 10 weeks following his arrest by the men of the DSS for buying and using an MTN SIM card which was previously used and abandoned by Hanan Buhari.

    After his detention, Okolie’s lawyer, Tope Akinyode, sued the DSS, MTN and Hanan, stating that the trio jointly violated his client’s fundamental human rights.

    Telecoms company, MTN, had recycled the mobile telephone number for sale after it became dormant for a long time. Okolie still has receipt he was given for the purchase of the SIM in question.

    Okolie’s lawyer had urged the court to award monetary compensation of N500 million jointly or severally against the defendants.

    However, in his ruling, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba slammed the N10 million fine against the DSS for illegally detaining Okolie.

  • Finally, CJN, Muhammad swears in Tsoho as substantive CJ of Federal High Court

    Justice John Tsoho has been sworn in as the substantive Chief Judge(CJ) of the federal high court of Nigeria.

    Tsoho who took over leadership of the federal high court in July from his predecessor Abdul Kafarati was sworn in Friday by the chief justice of Nigeria Tanko Mohammad.

    Tsoho’s who was earlier elevated as acting CJ of the Federal High Court in line with the rules that enable the most senior judge to occupy the office of the CJ when the post is vacant has now been officially sworn in as the substantive chief judge.

    Recall that a mild drama had earlier trailed the swearing-in of Tsoho as acting CJ in July – at the said time, Judges and staff of the court were earlier left stranded as the ceremony was delayed due to the absence of the CJN .

    Justice Tsoho, who hails from Benue State in Nigeria’s North-Central geo-political zone, was appointed a judge of the Federal High Court on November 12, 1998.

    Born June 24, 1959, at Mbaduku Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, Justice Tsoho, now 60, has up to five years to retire.

    Justice Tsoho attended St. Anthony’s Primary School, Chenge- Mbaduku between 1967 and 1972 when he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate.

    He obtained his West African School Certificate from St.Michael’s Secondary School, Aiide, where he schooled between 1973 and 1977.

    For his Advanced Levels study, coordinated by the Interim Joint Matriculation Board, Mr Tsoho attended Murtala College of Arts, Science and Technology, Makurdi, between 1978 and 1979.

    In 1980, he enrolled at the University of Lagos where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws Degree (LL.B Hons) in 1984.

    He was called to the Nigerian bar in 1985 after attending the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.

    On graduation, the young Mr Tsoho was posted to Delta Palm Limited Port Harcourt, for his compulsory National Youth Service scheme.

    On completion of his youth service in 1986, he plunged into private legal practise before taking up a job in the Benue State judiciary.

    Between January 1986 and December 1987, Mr Tsoho served as an inspector of Area Courts.

    But in January 1988, he was appointed a magistrate in the Benue State judiciary. By the time he left that position in March 1996, he had risen through the ranks to become a chief magistrate.

    In between his role as magistrate, Mr Tsoho served as an arbitrator in a contractual dispute during the period of February 1994 and June 1994.

    On October 9, 1997, he was appointed acting Chief Registrar of the Benue State High Court, a position he held until he was appointed a judge of the Federal High Court on November 12, 1998.

    Justice Tsoho says he enjoys reading, jogging and listening to music

  • (TNG REPORT) CORRUPTION: All eyes on Ex Govs Aliyu, Shema, Lamido, Ramalan and Ohakim as Kalu settles in prison

    (TNG REPORT) CORRUPTION: All eyes on Ex Govs Aliyu, Shema, Lamido, Ramalan and Ohakim as Kalu settles in prison

    … Very slim chances for ex-governors under trial despite using the best and most senior lawyers in Nigeria

    By Emmanuel Bagudu, Abuja

    The eyes Nigerians are now on Ex-governors Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, Shehu Shema of Kastina State, Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, Murktar Ramalan of Kaduna State and Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State in their ongoing legal feud with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to avoid being enlisted among convicted ex-governors.

    Recall, 72hours ago, a former governor of Abia state, Orji Uzo-Kalu, joined the likes of Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame in prison after being found guilty of defrauding Abia state of over N7billion during his tenure as governor.

    Kalu, a serving senator, became the centre of attraction as the latest ex-governor to be convicted for corruption.

    “Don’t handcuff me in public, I will follow you….” Kalu had pleaded with prison officials as he humbly entered a black maria that conveyed him to Kirikiri prison in Lagos.

    This conviction has seen the Nation’s anti-graft agency being given another “tap on the back” by so many Nigerians as well as the international community. But like Oliver Twist, there seems to be a growing demand from Nigerians for more convictions of those guilty of corruption, especially ex-state governors who controlled one of the largest pile of resources.

    “I will be consoled if the EFCC secures more convictions of other ex-state governors….Because if you closely look at the damage done to infrastructure due to the corruption by these governors, you will be forced to lose hope in this country….” Doctor Philip Kamabarawa a medical practitioner from Adamawa State told TNG in an exclusive interview.

    According to him Party affiliations should not stop the EFCC from carrying out its duties.

    A closer look at the various cases of the ex-governors currently on trial reveals that there is going to be a thin line between their convictions and Acquittal despite their use of the Nation’s best and Senior Lawyers.

    TNG’s Judiciary Correspondent who has followed their various cases, from day one, provides the update below:

    1. BABANGIDA ALIYU of Niger State: Babaginda Aliyu took over leadership of Niger State as governor from his predecessor, Abdulkadir Kure, in 2007 after Kure ruled for two tenures (1999 to 2017). Ex-governor Aliyu who is currently undergoing trial for alleged involvement in a N2billion money laundering was first arraigned in 2017 at the Federal High Court, Abuja, before justice Nnamdi Dimgba. This followed an objection by his counsel, Mamman Osuma, who claimed that the Abuja Federal High Court lacked jurisdictional powers to try Aliyu. Despite objections from the then EFCC’s counsel, Ben Ikani, Justice Dimgba, ruled that Ex-governor Aliyu be tried in Minna, the Niger State Capital. Since then Aliyu has been undergoing trial in Minna, alongside his former chief of staff, Umar Nasko. Niger State has been adjudge by many activist as a state suffering from infrastructural deficits like bad roads, poor health and educational system, to mention but a few. Whether ex-governor Aliyu and his likes are responsible for this, only time will tell.

    2. SHEHU SHEMA of Kastina State

    Ex-governor Shema became governor of Kastina state in 2007 through the help and influence of his predecessor and former Nigeria’s President, Umaru Musa Yar’adua. Shema who enjoyed the leadership of Kastina state up till May, 2015, is now standing trial for allegedly embezzling the Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Program (SURE-P) funds by up to N5.7Billion.

    Shema, whose case has suffered a lot of setbacks since his arraignment in 2016 is likely to end before the end of 2020. TNG recalls that Shema at different occasions filed a “No Case Submission” appeal up to the Supreme court, involving very senior and best lawyers in the country but was turned down.

    Shema became more frustrated when his case started afresh in October 2018 when the Presiding Judge, Babagana Ashigar, was replaced with Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari. Shema’s chances of surviving the legal feud with the EFCC remains dicey considering the complexities of the case.

    3. SULE LAMIDO of Jigawa State

    One funny fact about ex-governor Lamido’s case is that, he is under trial alongside three accomplices among whom are his two children, Aminu and Mustapha.

    He is facing trial for allegedly defrauding Jigawa state to the tune of N1.35 billion.

    Lamido and his two children according to the EFCC, during their first arraignment, allegedly turned Jigawa state treasury into a private wealth source where he dipped their hands in and out, comfortably squandering the state funds, without a single regard to the people of Jigawa.

    Lamido’s case has also suffered a lot of setbacks. It had previously been heard by Justices Adeniyi Ademola and Babatunde Quadri before its eventual transfer to Justice Ojukwu by the former Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Abdul Kafarati.

    TNG recalls that Mr Lamido had earlier challenged the transfer of his case at the Federal High Court, Abuja from Justice Adeniyi Ademola (now retired) to Justice Babatunde Quadri for determination. A man of the people, hundreds of people, mostly supporters, always thronged the federal High court headquarters, Abuja, venue of the trial to show support for him. Whether that crowd means anything to Lamido’s case with the EFCC, indeed, time shall tell.

    4. MUKTAR RAMALAN of Kaduna State

    Often referred to as the “Opportunist Governor” by some political Analysts, Ex-governor Ramalan is the only one among the accused ex-governors who never contested and won an election. He was a former commissioner of Finance during the reign of former vice president Namadi Sambo as Kaduna state governor. He became deputy governor to Patrick Yakowa, first Christian governor of Kaduna state after the then governor Namadi Sambo was nominated vice president by former president Goodluck Jonathan after the demise of president Umaru Yar’auda. Ramalan again had another privilege; he become governor when the tragic helicopter crash in Porthacourt took the life of his boss Patrick Yakowa in 2012 alongside former national security adviser Andrew Azazi.

    Ramalan is among the prosecuted ex-governors with the least amount of alleged embezzlement, N700million. He is said to have committed the crime with his accomplices namely former Minister of State, Nuhu Somo Waya; former Kaduna State PDP Chairman, Abubakar Haruna Gaya and the former Secretary to the State Government, Hamza Ishaq.

    5. Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State

    After losing a bid to secure a second tenure to Rochas Okoracha in 2011, ex-governor Ohakim automatically lost his immunity leading to his interception by the EFCC for allegedly making a cash payment of $2, 290,000.00 (Two Million, Two Hundred and Ninety-Thousand Dollars) for a piece of land at Plot No. 1098 Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, otherwise known as No. 60, Kwame Nkruma Street, Asokoro, Abuja. During one of his trials in 2016, then Prosecution Counsel and now Minister of state for Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Festus Keyamo alleged that the accused son, Emeka Ohakim, went on the trail of one of the prosecution witnesses and threatening him.

    Mr. Keyamo, then, said prosecution witness 2, Mr. Sule, who is the managing director of Tweenex Consociate H.D. Limited, telephoned him (Keyamo) about 9.00p.m. on Monday, January 25, saying that the second son of the defendant, Emeka, visited his (Sule) office at Asokoro to inquire about his home address from some individuals.

    According to Mr. Keyamo, the younger Ohakim allegedly approached three people, whose names he gave simply as Okon (a driver), Akpabor (a driver) and Shola (an architect), for information on Mr. Sule’s home address.

    Counsel to Ohakim then Chris Uche (SAN) objected to Keyamo’s report saying Keyamo should have brought that to his notice instead of an open court. The situation it could be remembered resulted into a shouting match among the lawyers.

    Justice Ademola then adjourned the case but couldn’t continue due to the sting operation by the department of state services (DSS) that indicted Justice Ademola of alleged corruption. One of Ohakim’s cousel then Awa Kalu then approached the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court then, for the transfer of the case to another Judge but was also forced to bring back the case to Justice Ademola in late 2017 when Justice Ademola was cleared by the National Judicial Council (NJC). Justice Ademola was later forcefully retired by the same NJC in 2018 and since then progress in Ohakim’s case is yet to be heard.

  • Federal High Court ends legal year, proceeds on two months vacation

    Federal High Court ends legal year, proceeds on two months vacation

    Federal High Courts in Nigeria have on Monday, commenced the annual long vacation for the year 2019, reports the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
    In a circular signed by the Federal High Court Lagos, Chief Registrar, Mr Emmanuel Gako, said the 2019 long vacation would commence on July 8 and ends on Sept. 13, while normal court activities were expected to resume on Sept. 16.
    NAN reports that the long vacation is observed annually, pursuant to the provisions of Order 46 rule 4 (a) of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2009.
    According to the circular notifying the General Public of the scheduled vacation, only divisions like: Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt will remain functional during the vacation, and litigants are at liberty to approach only these courts.
    The circular provides that the Abuja division will cater for cases from the Federal Capital Territory, North Central, North Western, and the North Eastern parts of the country.
    The Lagos division is to cater for cases from the South West, while the Port Harcourt division will cater for cases from the South-South and Southeast.
    “Only cases of extreme urgency are to be entertained during the period.” Gako said.
    Meanwhile in Lagos, Justices Nicholas Oweibo and Chuka Obiozor, have been assigned to sit as vacation judges during the period.