Federal High Court vacation starts December 19 with key judges assigned as operations scale down nationwide

Federal High Court vacation will officially begin on 19 December as the court winds down for its annual Christmas break, according to a statement released by the Director of Information, Dr Catherine Christopher, in Abuja.

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The announcement confirmed that full court sittings will resume across all judicial divisions on 7 January 2026.

Issued under the authority of the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, the notice titled “2025 Christmas Vacation and Roster for Vacation Judges” sets out the schedule in line with Order 46, Rule 4(c) of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules.

The circular explains that while the judiciary will be on recess, core divisions in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt will remain open to ensure continued access for urgent legal matters.

During the Federal High Court vacation, only cases involving the enforcement of fundamental rights, the arrest or release of vessels, and matters deemed of urgent national importance will be handled by designated vacation judges.

In Abuja, Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice Musa Liman will preside. In Lagos, the bench will be manned by Justice Akintayo Aluko and Justice Isaac Dipeolu.

Port Harcourt will have Justice P. M. Ayua and Justice A. T. Mohammed sitting, while Justice Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo will oversee proceedings in the Enugu Division.

Justice Tsoho extended warm Christmas and New Year wishes to judges across the federation, marking another year in which the judiciary balances holiday recess with essential public service.

The seasonal slowdown is typical across several federal ministries, departments and agencies, many of which adopt adjusted working hours or temporary breaks during the festive period.