FG Announces Christmas Vacation Roaster For Judges Nationwide

FG Announces Christmas Vacation Roaster For Judges Nationwide

On November 17, 2025, the Federal High Court of Nigeria officially released its Christmas vacation roster for judges across several judicial divisions in the country.

This announcement was made through a statement signed by Catherine Oby Christopher, the Director of Information at the Federal High Court. The notice was issued in accordance with a circular duly signed by the Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho.

The purpose of the roster is to ensure that judicial activities continue seamlessly during the festive season while also allowing judges to observe the holiday period.

The Christmas vacation for the year 2025 is scheduled to commence on Friday, December 19, 2025. Court sittings across all judicial divisions will resume on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

This schedule was issued pursuant to Order 46, Rule 4(c) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 (as amended).

The arrangement ensures that while the majority of judges are on holiday, designated vacation judges will remain available to handle urgent matters.

During the vacation period, only specific categories of cases will be entertained. These include matters pertaining to the enforcement of fundamental rights, the arrest or release of vessels, and issues of urgent national importance.

This limitation is designed to balance the need for judicial rest with the necessity of addressing pressing legal matters that cannot be deferred until after the holiday.

The Federal High Court has designated certain judicial divisions to remain operational and accessible to the litigating public during the vacation. These divisions include Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.

Each of these divisions has appointed judges who will serve as vacation judges throughout the holiday period.

The roster of judges assigned to serve during the Christmas vacation is as follows:

• Abuja Judicial Division: Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite and Hon. Justice M. S. Liman
• Lagos Judicial Division: Hon. Justice Akintayo Aluko and Hon. Justice Isaac D. Dipeolu
• Port Harcourt Judicial Division: Hon. Justice P. M. Ayua and Hon. Justice A. T. Mohammed
• Enugu Judicial Division: Hon. Justice F. O. G. Ogunbanjo

These judges will preside over urgent matters within their respective jurisdictions, ensuring that the judicial system remains functional during the festive period.

The announcement of the Christmas vacation roster reflects the Federal High Court’s commitment to maintaining judicial efficiency while respecting the holiday season.

By designating specific judges and divisions to remain active, the Court ensures that urgent legal matters are addressed without interruption.

The Honourable Chief Judge, Justice John T. Tsoho, concluded the announcement by extending warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all Honourable Judges and the Nigerian public.