Federal High Court Announces 2025 Christmas Vacation, Sittings Resume January 7, 2026
The Federal High Court (FHC) has announced that it will commence its 2025 Christmas vacation on December 19, with sittings across all judicial divisions scheduled to resume on January 7, 2026.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Court’s Director of Information, Dr. Catherine Christopher, the notice was titled “Notice of 2025 Christmas Vacation and Roster for Vacation Judges” and confirmed that the schedule was duly approved by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho, KSS, OFR, FCIArb (UK).
The circular, issued pursuant to Order 46, Rule 4(c) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 (as amended), provides that during the vacation period, only matters of urgent national importance will be entertained. These include:
– Applications for the enforcement of fundamental rights
– Matters relating to the arrest or release of vessels
– Other urgent issues requiring immediate judicial intervention
The roster of vacation judges is as follows:
– Abuja Division: Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice Musa Liman
– Lagos Division: Justice Akintayo Aluko and Justice Isaac Dipeolu
– Port Harcourt Division: Justice P. M. Ayua and Justice A. T. Mohammed
– Enugu Division: Justice Folashade Giwa‑Ogunbanjo
The statement further clarified that the core judicial divisions — Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt — will remain operational and accessible to litigants throughout the vacation period.
In extending seasonal greetings, the Chief Judge conveyed his best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all Honourable Judges.
